The economic capital of Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, has been chosen to host the first global congress of Fraternities of the Holy Spirit from May 11-17, 2027. The congress, themed "Listen to what the Spirit says to the Churches," will bring together members of the fraternities from different countries. According to Father Yves-Marie Fradet, international chaplain and deputy director of the Fraternities of the Holy Spirit, the event aims to strengthen ties between the fraternities worldwide.
The program of the congress includes a pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro, a Pentecost vigil on the night of May 14-15, 2027, and a solemn Pentecost mass. Father Fradet, who was appointed to his position in November 2022, has been visiting countries where the fraternities are established since his nomination. His first visit was to Côte d'Ivoire in May 2023. These visits have highlighted the need to enhance exchanges between fraternities in different countries.
Father Fradet noted that the fraternities do not know each other well across different countries and are not aware of the experiences and initiatives being developed elsewhere. The congress will provide an opportunity for members to share their experiences in formation and discover new initiatives. Côte d'Ivoire was chosen unanimously to host the first edition of the congress after Father Fradet's visits to various countries.
Preparations for the congress are underway, with commissions established under the responsibility of the national representative, Léopold Gnaoré. The Fraternities of the Holy Spirit were founded in 1867 by Emma Boulanger, a layperson, in Paris. The movement is dedicated to worshiping the Holy Spirit and predates the Charismatic Renewal movement that emerged in the United States in 1967.
The Fraternities of the Holy Spirit claim to have over 10,000 members worldwide, with a presence in several countries, including France, the Central African Republic, Togo, Benin, Guadeloupe, Congo-Brazzaville, Gabon, and Senegal. The movement is also set to expand to Guinea. In Côte d'Ivoire, where the fraternities have been established for 36 years, there are approximately 1,100 members.
Father Fradet's role involves being in contact with all the fraternities of the Holy Spirit worldwide. He emphasized the importance of the congress in promoting unity and exchange among the fraternities. The event is expected to be a significant milestone for the movement, which has a long history dating back to the 19th century.
The congress will provide a platform for members to come together, share their experiences, and strengthen their bonds. With preparations underway, Côte d'Ivoire is set to host a major international event that will bring together members of the Fraternities of the Holy Spirit from around the world.
Key points
- The first global congress of Fraternities of the Holy Spirit will be held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, from May 11-17, 2027.
- The congress aims to strengthen ties between the fraternities worldwide and provide a platform for members to share their experiences.
- The Fraternities of the Holy Spirit have over 10,000 members worldwide, with a presence in several countries.
