title
WHEREAS, the U.S. Province of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans) is celebrating 150 years of pursuing their mission and ministry in the United States since their founding in 1872; and
body
WHEREAS, U.S. Province has concentrated its work among European immigrant parishes and African American parishes, making sure that all people are welcomed and loved, and in works of education. While the Spiritans' work is global in reach, the U.S. Province has a distinct presence in Pittsburgh; and,
WHEREAS, Duquesne University of the Holy Spirit is the most visible expression of the Spiritans' work in Pittsburgh. Founded in 1878, Duquesne was first a college on Wiley Avenue serving children of poor immigrants. Four years later it moved to its present location on an eminence at the top of Pittsburgh's Golden Triangle; and,
WHEREAS, using bricks made by hand and fired in kilns on the site, the Spiritan Fathers and Brothers constructed a massive edifice (the Administration Building), adding a chapel in 1894. In 1911, Duquesne became a Catholic University, changing its name to Duquesne University of the Holy Ghost. They became the first institute of higher learning under Catholic auspices in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the only Spiritan institution of higher education in the United States; and,
WHEREAS, in addition, the education apostolate of the U.S. Spiritans has included a number of Catholic secondary schools. Included in their parish ministry, is St. Benedict's in the Hill District (1889), St. Stanislaus in Pittsburgh's Strip District (1886), and Immaculate Heart of Mary in Polish Hill (1891); and,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby congratulate the U.S. Province of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit for 150 years of service to God's people; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare, Wednesday, April 6, 2022 to be "Spiritans Day" in the ...
Click here for full text