Sisters of the Cenacle

In the early decades of the nineteenth century, seminaries were being re-opened and mission bands roamed the countryside in an effort to rekindle the faith.

Marie-Victoire-Thérèse Couderc, who lived in the small hamlet of Le Mas in Sablières, located in Southern France.

She managed, with a bit of difficulty it appears, to convince him that from then on, only those women who were willing to make their stay a time of serious prayer would be given lodging.

[1] The next step was when Father Terme introduced the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola, and the Sisters began using these to guide the women who came to the house to pray.

Gradually it became clear that the Congregation was evolving into one which reflected the spirit and mission of the community gathered with Mary the Mother of Jesus in the Upper Room, or Cenacle (Latin: coenaculum).

The new institute grew rapidly and soon counted houses in France, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, and Holland.

Initially they stayed with the Dominican nuns of Corpus Christi Monastery in Hunts Point, Bronx before purchasing property at W 140th St. in Manhattan, where they established the Convent of St.

Faced with diminishing financial resources and increasing maintenance costs, the Cenacle in Metairie, Louisiana closed in 2013.

[7] Also in 2020, due to a lack of personnel, the Cenacle property in Ronkonkoma, New York was sold to the Diocese of Rockville Centre to provide a residence for retired priests.