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30 May 2026, A colourful day

Commemorative Mass – Saint-Bruno-des-Chartreux Church – LYON (FRANCE)

On Saturday morning, the entire group made its way to the Church of St-Bruno where Father Coindre had served as assistant priest, founded two communities, and all the while preaching many missions in the surrounding countryside. 

The main celebrant was Bishop Francis Bestion, Bishop of Blois, where Father Coindre died, but also a former Brother of the Sacred Heart.  We were also grateful for the presence of Bishop Patrick Le Gal, auxiliary of Lyon, and other priests, including Brother Ignace Sambou.  Many joined us online around the world as the liturgy was livestreamed for all.

The group of the SIR sang with a local Church music group from St Augustin parish.

We arrived to a Church decorated, with images, paintings, mementos and logos, all recalling the three years building to this celebration, coming to know the person of André Coindre more deeply and personally.  The procession saw the patrons of the Institute, a piece of Father Coindre’s clothing which we share with the sisters, a portrait of Father Coindre now hanging in the Chapel of Retreats, the bicentennial banner of our mission, as well as the logo of these three years.

After the liturgy, all received a small memento of the day and preceded to the courtyard of St-Louis were there were more speeches, thanks and celebrating over a shared meal.

We are deeply grateful to all those who were involved in the many facts of this celebration – the Charism Commission, Brother Joseph Court and the brothers of France who assisted with all the direct planning, our celebrants, especially Monseigneur Bestion, the music group, the brothers of the SIR, and all who made this celebration a true remembrance of the spirit and legacy of our founder.