Spirituality is more than just a thought or a feeling. It describes a personal, spiritual outlook on life. Christian spirituality means shaping one’s own life out of faith in the risen Son of God.

This faith is not confined to the private sphere. It influences relationships, shapes professional conduct and is evident in one’s commitment to the Church and society.

Salvatorian Spirituality

Anyone wishing to understand the spirituality of a community must observe its life on the ground – whilst also looking to its roots.

Salvatorian spirituality is revealed in the community’s life together and in its focus on its founder.

An international community

On 8 December 1881, Johann Baptist Jordan, a diocesan priest from Freiburg, founded an international community in Rome: the Apostolic Society.

At a time of great social tension, his aim was to proclaim the Gospel in a way that was relevant to the times – using every means at his disposal. From the very beginning, men and women, clergy, religious and laypeople were to work together – united within a simple, three-tiered structure.

“Think globally, act locally”

This attitude continues to shape Salvatorian spirituality to this day. Jordan thought beyond borders. For him, there was no division according to nations or cultures – but rather a worldwide community of people.
(Fr. Jordan, Words and Admonitions, Chapter 30)

A view of the whole

At its core, Jordan’s spirituality can be summed up in a single idea: a sense of the whole.

Time and again he speaks of “everyone” and “everything”. This universality – the focus on the whole – shapes his thinking and his work.

His aim was to be there for the whole world: for all people, all nations, all languages and all needs – and to do so using every available means and in partnership with all those who wish to get involved.