Solid Spirituality Leads to Holiness By Fr Francis Njau AJ

Solid Spirituality Leads to Holiness

By

Fr. Francis Njau, AJ, MA

Introduction

Solid and healthy spirituality leads to holiness. This is a statement based on personal experience and credible research findings. By solid and healthy spirituality, I mean a kind of spirituality, which is healthy for the human spiritual soul. It is a kind of spirituality which is characterized by the love and fear of the Lord God. It flows from God. It is not based on the work of an artisan because the work of an artisan is no god at all (cf. Hosea 8: 4-7; 11-13).

And it is not about sowing the wind because when someone does so, he or she shall reap the whirlwind. It helps to turn someone’s ears to wisdom. It facilitates us to incline our hearts to understanding. Besides, it provides both the upright heart and the mind with counsel. It helps to guard the paths of justice and encourages those who practice it to walk honestly and to understand rectitude, justice, and honesty (Proverbs 2: 1-9).

Through the prophet Hosea, God says that He is not pleased with those people who practice a kind of spirituality or religion grounded upon idols, which they make for themselves through silver and gold. Solid and healthy spirituality does not provoke the wrath of God because the people who practice it do not ignore God’s ordinances. People who practice it set up genuine sacred pillars and do not make altars which become occasions of sin instead of being bases to expiate sin (Hosea 8: 4-7; 11-13). Unhealthy spirituality is often associated with people with false hearts.

Expected Solid Spirituality of the Apostles of Jesus Is Dictated by Our Lord Jesus Christ

The Apostles of Jesus are expected to practice solid and healthy spirituality, which is dictated by our Lord Jesus Christ and embodied in their charism and vision of their Co-founders, Right Reverend Bishop Sixtus Mazzoldi, MCCJ and Very Reverend Father John Marengoni, MCCJ, both of happy memory. Both were men of deep faith, profound hope, and sincere love.

They always sought the opportunity of gaining a fuller knowledge of consecrated life, of pastoral matters, of prayerful life, of science of theology, of moral theology and of liturgy, and of strengthening their spiritual life.

Called by God and entrusted with a special mission, they dedicated their lives to proclaiming the Word of God and spreading the Good News of the Kingdom. With joy and generosity, they embraced God’s call and devoted themselves wholeheartedly to evangelization, especially among the peoples of Africa. Recognizing the grace they had received, they laid the foundation for the Institute of the Apostles of Jesus and established a spiritual legacy that continues to guide the congregation today. Article no. 10 of the Constitutions of the Religious Missionary Institute of the Apostles of Jesus of 2007 states: ““Our specific charism consists in following Christ the Good Shepherd, imitating the compassionate, active, and joyful zeal of His Heart for the lost sheep (cf. John 10: 1-21).

Spirituality as an Essential Element of the Religious Institute

From its inception, spirituality has been an essential element of the Religious Missionary Institute of the Apostles of Jesus. Our Co-Founders understood that no missionary endeavor can bear lasting fruit without a deep and vibrant relationship with God. They established a solid spiritual foundation that continues to sustain the congregation and inspire its members.

A strong spiritual life enables missionaries to remain focused on God’s will and to conduct their ministry with faithfulness and zeal. Like a tree planted beside a flowing stream, a missionary rooted in prayer and spirituality remains nourished and fruitful. Spirituality, alongside charism, is therefore not merely one aspect of missionary life; it is a source from which all missionary activity flows. When spirituality is strong and healthy, every other aspect of life, vocation, and ministry is strengthened as well, leading members toward holiness and effective service.

The Relevance of Articles nos. 9, 67, and 68 of Our Constitutions on Our Spirituality

Three articles of the Constitutions of the Religious Missionary Institute of the Apostles of Jesus of 2007 are central to the vision of our Co-founders. They provide special guidance to the understanding of the value of spiritual life in our religious missionary life and activity.

• Article no. 9 states: “Our spirit is dictated by our Lord Jesus Christ, who for love of His Father, ‘loved is and gave Himself up in our place (Eph.5:2). We live this spirit by cultivating a great devotion to the Sacred heart of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.”
• Articles no. 67 maintains: “ Before all else, we live and seek God who took the initiative in loving us (1 Jn 4:10), we aim to develop a life hidden with Christ in God (Col.3:3), in every circumstance and event ( cf. PC.6).”
• Article no. 68 asserts: “We should be convinced that a spiritual life is required for any fruitful apostolate.”

Spiritual Life and Fruitful Apostolate

They recognized that effective ministry depends upon the spiritual health of the missionary. By nurturing a deep spiritual life, members become authentic witnesses to the Gospel. Good examples often speak more powerfully than words. People are inspired not only by what missionaries preach but also by the way they live. The enduring success of many members of the Apostles of Jesus in their ministries can be attributed to the strong spiritual formation established by our Co-founders.

Formation through Prayer

The Co-founders placed great emphasis on prayer during formation. Daily prayer was an essential part of community life and included morning prayer, meditation, Holy Mass, the Angelus, visits to the Blessed Sacrament, the Rosary, Vespers, and night prayer.

The beginning of the Novitiate Formation Stage on June 29, 2026, at the re-opened Tengeru Novitiate of the Apostles of Jesus in Arusha, Tanzania. Fr. Michael Mushi, AJ and Fr. John Birungi, AJ are the Novice Directors.

These daily spiritual practices created a firm foundation for future missionaries. Just as a building requires a solid foundation to endure storms and challenges, missionaries need a well-grounded spiritual life to persevere in their vocation. Through regular prayer and communal worship, members developed the spiritual resilience needed to serve faithfully wherever they were sent.

The Sacramental Life

The Constitution also highlights the importance of the sacraments in sustaining the spirituality of the Institute. During formation, members were taught to appreciate and embrace the sacramental life of the Church as a source of grace and strength.

Today, members of the Apostles of Jesus faithfully do apostolate and administer and promote the sacraments wherever they serve—in parishes, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and other special ministries. They provide catechism and celebrate the sacraments in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church and the Code of Canon Law of 1983. Their commitment to sacramental ministry reflects the solid spiritual and theological formation they received within the Institute.

Embracing Suffering in Mission

An essential aspect of the spirituality of the Apostles of Jesus is the acceptance of suffering in union with Christ. Constitution No. 68 reminds members that enduring suffering is part of authentic missionary discipleship.

Jesus Himself suffered and died on the Cross for the salvation of humanity. He remains the model for every missionary. Inspired by His example, many members have served in difficult circumstances, including war-torn regions, remote villages, drought-stricken areas, and communities lacking basic infrastructure.

Despite hardships such as poor roads, inadequate transportation, hostile environments, and limited resources, members have persevered with faith and humility. Their willingness to endure difficulties for the sake of the Gospel demonstrates the strength of the spiritual foundation laid by our Co-Founders.

Missionary Zeal Rooted in Christ

The spirituality of the Institute is firmly rooted in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Just as Jesus traveled through villages, towns, and cities proclaiming the Good News, members of the Apostles of Jesus devote themselves wholeheartedly to pastoral ministry.

The Co-Founders established a missionary spirituality that encourages flexibility, creativity, and openness to diverse cultures. As a result, members often adapt quickly to new environments, learning new languages and embracing local customs while remaining faithful to the Gospel. Their ability to build meaningful relationships with people of diverse cultures has earned the appreciation of bishops and local communities throughout the world.

This missionary spirit continues to bear fruit today. Members serve with dedication and enthusiasm wherever they are called, reflecting Christ the Good Shepherd in their ministry.

Self-Denial and Love of God

Article no. 68 of our Constitutions of 2007 emphasizes self-denial and love of God as essential elements of missionary life. Our Co-Founders not only taught these values but also experienced them in an exemplary manner.

They endured many challenges, including rejection, illness, and the loss of fellow missionaries. Yet they remained steadfast in their commitment to God’s mission. They traveled extensively, established new communities, learned new languages, and tirelessly worked to ensure the growth of the Institute.

Their perseverance flowed from their profound love for God. They understood that the Institute was God’s work and therefore entrusted everything to Divine Providence. Their example teaches us that genuine love for God gives us the strength to overcome obstacles and accomplish wonderful things for His Kingdom.

A Spirit of Charity and Unity

The love of God also shaped the manner in which the Co-founders related to others. They treated every member with dignity, respect, and compassion. They defended the Constitution, supported their members during times of difficulty, and sought to promote unity within the congregation.

Their love was free from discrimination and favoritism. This spirit of charity inspired confidence among members and attracted many people to the Institute. Their witness reminds us that authentic spirituality is always expressed through love of God and love of neighbor.

The Central Role of Liturgy

Liturgy occupies a main place in the spirituality of the Apostles of Jesus. The Co-founders recognized that liturgical prayer nourishes both personal holiness and missionary effectiveness.

They encouraged participation in daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Benediction, and other forms of communal worship. Through their own example, they demonstrated the importance of prayer and dependence on God. Their deep appreciation for the liturgy profoundly shaped the spiritual identity of the Institute.

Today, members continue this tradition by celebrating the liturgy with reverence, devotion, and fidelity to the teachings of the Church. Whether serving in parishes, shrines, schools, or formation houses, they strive to help the faithful encounter Christ through beautiful and meaningful worship.

Inspiring Faith Through Worship

The solid liturgical formation received by members enables them to inspire others and strengthen the faith of the communities they serve. Through well-prepared liturgies, thoughtful homilies, and faithful adherence to Church teaching, they help people deepen their relationship with God.

Many members are also entrusted with leading pilgrimages, retreats, and other spiritual programs. Their commitment to sound liturgical practices and pastoral care often encourages people to become more active in their faith and to participate more fully in the life of the Church.

Promoting Devotions and Spiritual Growth

The spirituality of the Apostles of Jesus extends beyond the liturgy to include various devotional practices that nurture the faith of God’s people. Members establish and support groups such as the Legion of Mary, the Sacred Heart of Jesus devotion, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, charismatic prayer groups, and many other spiritual movements.

These devotions enrich parish life and help believers grow in prayer, discipleship, and service. In my own ministry as a hospital chaplain and spiritual director of the Legion of Mary, I have witnessed how these devotions strengthen faith and encourage deeper commitment to Christ.

Members are initiative-taking in establishing such spiritual opportunities wherever they serve. When they encounter communities with limited devotional life, they often initiate prayer groups, retreats, Rosaries, Eucharistic Adoration, and other spiritual activities to help people grow in holiness.

The Legacy of Our Co-Founders

The enduring legacy of our Co-founders is found in their spirituality. They truly practiced what they preached. Prayer was at the center of their lives, especially their devotion to the Holy Rosary. They were often seen praying as they walked and conducted their daily activities.

In matters of liturgy, spirituality, and missionary service, they consistently sought what was true, lawful, moral, and faithful to the teachings of the Church. Their lives testified to the power of a deep relationship with God and the transformative influence of genuine holiness.

Apostles of Jesus Deacons Following their Ordination to Diaconate, December 2025.

Conclusion