News & Resources

Rome
Pilgrimage to the Seven Churches of Rome
A Journey of Faith, Conversion and Communion on the Bicentenary of Libermann’s Baptism In this year marking the bicentenary of Libermann’s baptism and conversion, we set out on our pilgrimage…
March 13, 2026
frenpt
Spiritan News 203
203 / October / November / December 2017 | 40 Years of Spiritan Presence in Asia: Pakistan / Philippines / Taiwan / Vietnam / India | Rome : Meeting of…
December 1, 2017
enfrpt
Rome
Pierre Schouver, the Superior General, approaches Cardinal Camillo Ruini with a view to the Congregation taking over a parish in Rome. The reply is positive and encouraging.
March 17, 1998
frenpt
Rome
The post-Synodal Exhortation, 'Ecclesia in Africa' by John Paul II is published on this day.
September 14, 1995
frenpt
Rome
The Post-Synodal Exhortation by Pope John Paul II on the vocation and mission of lay people in the Church and the World is published.
December 28, 1988
frenpt
Rome
Pope John Paul II visits the French Seminary. During the 150 years since its foundation, the seminary has had 14 rectors, all of whom were Spiritans.
November 7, 1981
frenpt
C.S.Sp.
The first session of the 13th General Chapter (Sept 9-Nov 15) opens in Rome with 109 capitulants. The Superior General, Mgr. Marcel Lefebvre, resigns and leaves the Chapter on September…
September 9, 1968
frenpt
Rome
Publication of the encyclical "Populorum Progressio". Justice and Peace are intimately linked together by Pope Paul VI.
March 26, 1967
frenpt
C.S.Sp.
On this day, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the new Generalate is set up on Monte Mario in Rome.
September 14, 1966
frenpt
C.S.Sp.
The Superior General and his Council leave the rue des Pyrénées in Paris. On September 9th, the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the Generalate is set up…
July 14, 1966
frenpt
Rome
The Spiritan international scholasticate moves from 1, Corso d’Italia to 22, via Macchiavelli.
October 6, 1965
enfrpt
Rome
The beginning of the Second Vatican Council and the subsequent renewal programmes. There are 49 Spiritan Bishops attending, including the Superior General, Marcel Lefebvre.
October 11, 1962
frenpt
Rome
The encyclical "Fidei Donum" of Pius XII. In it, he invites bishops to send some of their diocesan priests and committed lay people to help in the missions.
April 21, 1957
frenpt
Rome
Publication of the first missionary encyclical of Pius XII, "Evangelii Praecones". The Pope praises the work accomplished by missionaries and sets them new tasks. He talks of the place of…
June 2, 1951
frenpt
Rome
Beatification of Mère Javouhey, the foundress of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny. She and François Libermann worked together for the same ideal: the salvation of abandoned souls in…
October 15, 1950
enfrpt
Rome
July 4, 1927
frenpt
Rome
In the wake of the communist revolution in Russia, the Congregation is asked by Pius XI, through Cardinal Gasparri, to open a seminary in Rome for the training of priests…
June 1, 1923
frenpt
Rome
Pius X declares the heroicity of virtues of François Libermann. Henceforth, he will have the title of "Venerable".
June 19, 1910
frenpt
Rome
A decree from the Congregation for Saints in Rome approves the writings of François Libermann, adding that "it is rare that an examination arrives at such a favourable conclusion".
May 15, 1886
frenpt
Rome
The remains of Mgr. Luquet, the friend of Libermann and the inspiration for much of his missionary ideas, are transferred to the chapel of the French Seminary in Rome.
March 13, 1865
frenpt
Rome
Visit by Pope Pius IX to the French Seminary.
March 17, 1860
frenpt
Rome
By the Bull "In Sublimi", Pope Pius IX, at the request of the bishops of France, gives canonical approval to the French Seminary in Rome and confides it "in perpetuity"…
July 14, 1859
frenpt
Rome
A Motu Proprio of Pius IX gives the ruined church of Santa Chiara to the French Seminary. In the same year, they buy the old Poor Clare convent which is…
April 9, 1856
frenpt
Rome
Père Lannurien dies of cholera. He had been the secretary of Libermann. The notes he made during his noviciate are an important source for the comments of Libermann made on…
September 6, 1854
frenpt
Rome
The French Seminary opens in Rome with 12 students in the former Irish College in the Via degli Ibernesi, close to Trajan’s pillar. The chapel is blessed by Mgr. Kobès…
October 10, 1853
enfrpt
C.S.Sp.
Père Libermann travels to Rome with M. Loewenbruck to finalise, with the Propaganda Fide, the details of the union between the two congregations.
October 20, 1848
enfrpt
Rome
Propaganda Fide accepts the resignation of Bishop Edward Barron. Père François Libermann becomes the temporary Prefect Apostolic of the Deux Guinées until such time as one of his confreres will…
December 31, 1846
frenpt
Rome
Fr. Edward Barron is ordained bishop in Rome by Cardinal Fransoni. The new bishop, looking for missionaries for his immense Vicariate, will be put in touch with Père Libermann and…
November 1, 1842
frenpt