Cenacle Roots

We are in international congregation of Roman Catholic Sisters, founded in 1826 in the village of La Louvesc, France. Our founders, St. Therese Couderc and Fr. Stephen Terme, through their love of Christ, felt called to make Christ better known and loved to the people of their time. Although still a young woman Therese Couderc was appointed superior the community of sisters brought to La Louvesc by Stephen Terme to provide lodging for women coming to the Shrine of St. John Francis Regis, a Jesuit saint famous in France at that time. The first Cenacle Retreat House was built as a direct result of the sisters realisation the women pilgrims needed direction in prayer and spiritual guidance as part of their pilgrimage to La Louvesc. Thus began the ministry of helping people awaken and deepen their faith and to make Jesus known and loved.

Therese Couderc died 26 th September 1885 and was canonised 10 th May 1970. The true testimony of her life is the legacy of her mission that continues today through the Cenacle Family, Sisters, Auxiliaries, Affiliates and Companions. Today we have communities in 14 countries around the world: Belgium, Brazil, England, Ireland, France, Togo, Madagascar, New Zealand, Australia, North America, Netherlands, Philippines, and Singapore.