A Brief History of the Spiritan Missionary Seminary.

 The building of the Spiritan Missionary Seminary began in December 1985 and the first intake of 27 students took place in October 1986. Previous to this all the Spiritan aspirants had been attending the Tanzanian Diocesan Houses of Philosophy at Kibosho and Ntungamo. When these began to overflow, the Bishops requested that the Congregation establish its own house of philosophy. Two buildings were complete when the seminary opened; other buildings were added later: the kitchen and dining room (1987); first dormitory block for 40 students (1988; second dormitory block for 40 students (1989); chapel and library complex (1992); staff house (1995); two lecture halls (1998); and a social hall (2000).

 The programme was first conceived as a two year philosophy course following the model of the diocesan seminaries.  The first five groups of students followed this programme.  In 1991, the programme was changed to a three year course to allow for more detailed study of philosophy and with a view towards affiliation with the Urbaniana University (Rome).  The affiliation was complete in May 1994, and the first group of students sat for the Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy (B.A.) examination in June 1994.

 Initially, the Seminary was intended for the philosophical training of aspirants to the Congregation of Holy Ghost (Spiritans) and for giving them a foundation in the spirituality and history of the Spiritans.  In the first year, the Passionist Congregation asked to enroll their Indian students in the courses as non-resident students. Later, the Benedictines asked to send students as residents.  The Pallottines started sending students here in 1991, first as residents, then in 1994 when their house was ready, as non-resident.  The Passionists (East Africa) sent their first African students here in 1994, followed by the Dominicans in 1998. Most recently, in 2000, the Augustinians of the Assumption, and the Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle and Mary, Mother of the Church enrolled some students in the Seminary.

 For some years, arrangements for a joint programme with the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers) were discussed. These were successfully concluded when the Missionaries of Africa joined the Spiritan Missionary Seminary with both staff and students in August 1996. The day by day academic programme is run by the Rector and Bursar of the Seminary, assisted by an Academic Board.  A Governing Board is comprised of the Provincial of the Spiritan East African Province with his council, but a special Consultative Board with the Missionaries of Africa has also been formed.

 Some students of the Sisters of Our Lady of Africa availed themselves of some of the courses in the curriculum during the Academic Year of 1999 - 2000.

 The number of students in the programme has grown gradually and at the time of this printing is about 143.  Growth has also taken place within the teaching staff, which presently includes about sixteen professors, both men and women religious and lay people. There is a clear distinction between the Academic Programme, in which many Congregations/Societies participate, and the formation programme for the resident Spiritan students.  We hope to continue in a spirit of service to the Church and the formation needs of the local missionary societies.