The Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Mambo, located on the Western Rural Peninsula of Freetown, hosted a special celebration on Saturday, December 7, 2024, to mark the 160th anniversary of the Spiritan Mission’s presence in Sierra Leone. The event commemorated the enduring legacy of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit and brought together key dignitaries, including President Julius Maada Bio, represented by Chief Minister David Sengeh, and Reverend Father Alain Mayama, the Superior General of the Spiritan Congregation, who traveled from Rome, Italy.
Also in attendance were the Catholic Bishops of Sierra Leone, including those from Makeni, Kenema, Bo, and Freetown, along with Irish representatives and members of the Spiritan community.
In his address, Reverend Father Mayama reflected on the global journey of the Spiritan Mission, which began in 1864. He highlighted the congregation’s growth and challenges, including the role it played in bringing spiritual and educational transformation to various regions, particularly Sierra Leone. He noted that from 1852 to 1881, the Spiritans expanded globally, overcoming significant challenges, such as tropical diseases, to spread hope and divinity.
Father Mayama also underscored the mission’s impact in Sierra Leone, noting its contributions in building schools, healthcare centers, and supportive communities for people of all faiths. “The Spiritan Mission in Sierra Leone has helped restore sanity and bring divine intervention to the people, and we look forward to expanding our efforts,” he said.
Most Reverend Edward Charles, Archbishop of Freetown, spoke about the early challenges faced by the missionaries, including the prevalence of tropical diseases, and praised their enduring legacy, which has resulted in the establishment of numerous schools and healthcare centers across the country. “The Spiritan Mission has been instrumental in the growth of Catholic education and healthcare in Sierra Leone,” Archbishop Charles said.
Peter Kapr Bangura, Vice Chairman and Project Manager of the Spiritan Mission, called on stakeholders to support the completion of ongoing infrastructure projects at the Mambo site, estimated to cost approximately $1,028,329. Chief Minister David Sengeh, on behalf of President Bio, unveiled a new edifice, symbolizing continued commitment to the mission’s work in the country. The ceremony also highlighted the fact that President Bio had been baptized by the Catholic Church of the Spiritan Mission.
As part of the celebration, the Spiritan Mission honored several individuals for their exceptional contributions, including President Bio, who received a special award presented by the Chief Minister. Notable attendees included Presidential Secretary Emmanuel Gaima and Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Police, William Fayia Sellu.
Awards were also given to Catholic Archbishops from across Sierra Leone, as well as Irish representatives and members of the Spiritan community from Italy, in recognition of their dedicated service.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to collaboration and support for the Spiritan Mission, as stakeholders reaffirmed their dedication to enhancing education, healthcare, and social services across Sierra Leone through continued partnership with the Church.
