Two Spiritans Installed in the College of Cardinals

For the first time in the 300-year history of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, two Spiritans have been elevated into the Roman Catholic Church’s College of Cardinals.

Monsignor Dieudonné Nzapalainga C.S.Sp., archbishop of Bangui, Central African Republic, and Monsignor Maurice Piat C.S.Sp., archbishop of Port-Louis, Mauritius, were appointed by Pope Francis at a Nov. 19 consistory in St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Rev. James McCloskey, C.S.Sp., senior advisor to the Duquesne president for strategic initiatives, views the appointments as a great blessing for the Spiritan Congregation. “Both Cardinals Piatt and Nzapalainga have been particularly effective in their work toward inter-religious dialogue and peacemaking,” McCloskey said. “Their humble dedication to the peoples of Mauritius and the Central African Republic is a source of great pride for all Spiritans.”

The Rev. James McCloskey, C.S.Sp.; Cardinal Maurice Piatt, C.S.Sp.; The Rev. John Fogarty, C.S.Sp., superior general of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit; and Michael Wright, director of European programs for Duquesne University.