A donation to support our mission
On February 1st, 2026, we will begin celebrating the Bicentenary of the Cenacle congregation – 200 years of living and sharing our mission. We have activities planned to help us mark this special year. Teams in the province will organise several events centred around Lalouvesc (the birthplace of the Cenacle): a pilgrimage for young people in the Ardeche, a week of prayer for pilgrims, and an International Day of Celebration on 22 August in the basilica and village. Local initiatives are also going to be offered in the different areas of the province. Communicating who we are as a congregation is an essential part of our projects for this year. This is because we want to share with others our belief that the mission of the Cenacle is still relevant for today’s world. We have a responsibility to pass on the heritage of the congregation; to share the treasure we have received with the people of our time. For this we need to express our charism and mission in fresh ways that will communicate our mission to new audiences.
«The closer you get to God, the more you realize you want to be even closer. The more you experience his presence, the more you long for it, because deep down you come to see that only God can truly satisfy your heart and give you lasting joy.»
Provincial Superior
I sometimes wonder what our Foundress St. Therese Couderc would say to us Cenacle Sisters today? As we move towards 2026 and the celebration of the Bicentenary of the Congregation, I imagine she might say, «look, listen, be present».
As a Cenacle sister, I continually give thanks to God for my /our vocation and for the gift of our mission in the world and in the church. Today, walking alongside others in their life journey is so needed and for me a great privilege.
This aspect of our ministry is often spoken of as spiritual direction or accompaniment. There are many ways to do this and so many people who look for accompaniment. Those wanting to grow in their relationship with God in prayer. Those who are seeking and searching for meaning. Each one looking for someone to listen to them.
This may be in an occasional meeting in person or online, one off encounter, or on-going accompaniment. What is important, is to be a listening presence, wherever that may take place. This may be on the bus, in the supermarket, after Mass in the Parish. All these ways are opportunities to be aware, be a listening presence to the people of today. Probably a different expression, hopefully with the same spirit and charism that Therese Couderc lived 200 years ago.
«Let us use the present moment well, which is the only one at our disposal»
St. Therese Couderc
Sister Ann Turner
London Community
In July 2025, at the Cenacle Spirituality Centre of Versailles, I was part of the team leading a «secular» retreat for young adults at the point of transition between their studies and their professional life. The retreat offers each participant ways of seeking and finding the path which leads to fulness of life. Without using explicitly religious language, it is deeply inspired by the wisdom of Ignatian spirituality, particularly regarding the practice of discernment.
The programme alternated between plenary sessions, daily small-group sharing, and individual meetings with a member of the team. Starting from a reflection on their life paths and past choices, we invited each participant to reconnect with their core values and deepest desires, in a search for a life in coherence with their true identity.
Building on this foundation, we then explored the theme of making choices and the courage required to commit to one’s life journey. Each day ended with a time of shared reflection, which revealed the depth of the participants’ insights and, above all, the importance these young adults placed on taking a step back in order to live more fully.
Sister Lotte Webb
Versailles Community
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