British Spiritans Provincial Tours Scotland, Visits Carfin
Fulfilling his canonical responsibility, Rev. Fr Ugo Ikwukwa, CSSp, Provincial Superior of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (British Province), is currently on a tour of communities across the United Kingdom. This visit provides an opportunity for round-table discussions, during which he engages members of each community in a re-evaluation of their mission priorities and an assessment of how far these have been realised. The visit spanned from 21st to 23rd April 2026.
The mission of the congregation, centred on simplicity, availability, and fraternity, has borne significant fruits. This is clearly evident across the United Kingdom in the growing number of African priests on mission-many originating from regions of Africa once evangelised by British Spiritans.
Here in Scotland, the Carfin Spiritan Community embodies a welcoming, open-door spirit where all are received with warmth. Daily Mass is celebrated in the oratory from Monday to Saturday at 12:00 pm. This sacred space fosters a family-like atmosphere that brings people closer together. There is an Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, 30 minutes before Mass. There is an Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on the first Monday of every month at 6:45 pm. The Novena to St Anthony of Padua is also held every Tuesday at 6:30 pm.
As Spiritans, the community brings its distinctive pastoral approach to enrich the local Church-not merely filling gaps, but living out the spirit of mutuae relationes, sharing its spirituality and way of life to enhance the diversity and unity of the Church.
OPTION FOR THE POOR
Over the years, the witness of the Spiritans in Carfin and environs has inspired generous support from the faithful. In line with their mission, the community remains in solidarity with the poor. The charity shop, sustained by donations, serves as a place where people can obtain items at affordable prices-and, where genuine need is identified, free of charge.
INTERCULTURALITY
In a globalised and often polarised world, the community offers a powerful witness to unity through diversity. The Carfin community is made up of six priests from four different nationalities, making it uniquely intercultural. Through shared meals, prayer, meetings, and daily life, they live and work together in unity, embodying the vows that sustain their mission.
COLLABORATION WITH THE LOCAL CHURCH
The Spiritans maintain strong ties with the local Church through active participation in retreats, recollections, and diocesan celebrations. They also support parish life by assisting with Masses, confessions, and other liturgical ministries, strengthening communion within the diocese.
LAY INVOLVEMENT
The presence of the Spiritans in Carfin is enriched by the dedication of lay collaborators. These committed individuals not only support the community in prayer but also help organise fundraising initiatives for the sustainability of the mission. They are actively involved in organising the weekly Tea Club, volunteering in the charity shop, assisting in the sacristy, maintaining the garden, and supporting various aspects of community life. The Carfin Spiritan Association plays a key role in coordinating these activities.
YOUTH APOSTOLATE
Youth ministry remains central to the Spiritan mission. In the past, Carfin had a vibrant youth apostolate, marked by long walks and engaging conversations on vocation and life. This initiative bore lasting fruit, with many former participants now serving as priests, while others have become accomplished professionals in various fields. Although this apostolate experienced a long pause, there is now renewed enthusiasm to revive it. Young people have begun gathering again, hopeful for a fresh movement of the Spirit. Some have already connected with the wider Spiritan family, including participation in a Spiritan Youth in London in October 2025. The revival has begun.
Furthermore, one member of the community is actively engaged in school apostolate at St Aidan’s High School, serving as a chaplain.
CONCLUSION
The Provincial’s visit brought all these aspects of community life into focus, creating space for reflection and re-evaluation. It was a moment to discern the way forward and to strengthen the community’s witness within the local Church in Scotland. Marked by joy, fraternity, and renewed purpose, the visit left lasting impressions. Fr Ugo departed with fond memories, reflected in the warm testimonies of his brother priests.