News

On Saturday, October 4th, the second Coindre Virtual Gathering took place. It was an initiative organized by the Commission for the Promotion of the Charism to prepare for the bicentennial of Father André Coindre’s death.

The first gathering (2024) introduced us to the contents of the first bicentennial booklet: “Holiness and Death of André Coindre”, written by Brother Emilio Rodrigo. This second meeting offered a deeper look into the next booklet, “Brother Javier: Constant Fidelity”, authored by Brother Francisco Javier Marquínez. A third publication is planned for next year (2026), focusing on the relationship between Brother Polycarp and Father André Coindre. It will be written by Juan Ramón Sáez Sarralde.

The members of the commission summarized the various sections into which the booklet can be divided and offered their conclusions on the importance of Brother Xavier in our history and the development of our charism. May this serve as motivation to read the booklet, if you haven't already, or to continue reflecting on this difficult chapter of our origins after the death of Father André Coindre.

During the meeting we honored the memory of Brother Ivy LeBlanc, a member of the commission who recently passed away from cancer. Ivy was a clear example of commitment to the charism and a fervent promoter of shared mission and the spiritual growth of the laity. A review was also made of the International Charism Session, held in Rome in June-July 2025.

The event concluded with a message from Brother Mark Hilton, Superior General, encouraging us to be bearers of God’s love, in dynamic fidelity to the charism that unites and inspires us.

We are grateful for the participation of over 125 members of the Coindre family from around the world. Brothers and laypeople alike came together online, united in the same spirit that guides our following of Jesus, each according to our own vocation) and our shared educational mission: the charism of the Institute.

The charism is alive—and it gives us life! The Spirit makes it grow in our hearts when we share it!

Let us continue nurturing the charism in ourselves, our families, our communities, and our apostolic works. And let us prepare for the Bicentennial of André Coindre with joy and enthusiasm!

Courage and Trust! Brothers in his cause!