News

As part of the activities marking the Bicentennial of Father André Coindre’s passing, an international session was held at our General House in Rome from Thursday, June 27, to Monday, July 14. The gathering was dedicated to sharing and deepening our founding charism.

For the first time, Brothers and lay collaborators from five continents came together to reflect on the charism that unites us all and to explore ways to grow together as one true “Coindre Charismatic Family.” The group included 15 Brothers and 15 laypeople—10 men and 5 women—alongside the International Charism Commission (CPCF), which organized, coordinated, and led the session.

The gathering began with the Feast of the Sacred Heart—a day meant to foster bonds of trust among all—and a retreat on the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. These were followed by sessions focused on the theoretical aspects of our charism: its origins in the Holy Spirit, its biblical foundations, and the concrete experience of our founder and his early collaborators.

Saturday, July 5, was a highlight: Sister Junkal Guevara of the Religious of Jesus and Mary joined us to share reflections on the connection between Father André Coindre and Saint Claudine Thévenet, as well as her congregation’s experience of the shared charism. That afternoon we held a lively “fair,” celebrating the rich diversity of our common charism as lived across the globe.

In the second week, we shifted focus to the practical dimensions of the charism: examining our local realities in each conference and entity with the aim of proposing action plans to promote the charism and shared mission. We also turned our gaze toward the upcoming Bicentennial of Father Coindre’s death—clarifying the purpose and goals of this milestone and drafting a plan of activities to implement within provinces and delegations.

On this shared journey, we felt renewed—full of life and hope, affirmed in our identity and calling, and deeply bonded as true brothers and sisters beyond borders of country, language, and culture. It is the miracle of fraternity, a miracle granted by the Heart of Jesus to those who gather in His name and open themselves to His Spirit.

May Jesus continue to lead us ever more closely in the footsteps of André Coindre, toward the love of God.

Note: All materials prepared for this anniversary can be found in the CIVAC folder titled “Bicentennial Fr. André Coindre.”