About Us

What is the Cenacle?


The congregation derives its name form the Latin word coenaculum, which refers to the Upper Room where Jesus ate the Last Supper with his disciples. According to the Scriptures, our Lady, the holy women, and the disciples returned to that room after the Ascension of Christ and “with one accord devoted themselves to prayer” Acts 1,14) as they awaited the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Then they were transformed into eager witnesses and messengers under the action of the Spirit.

This interval of prayer is seen as a prototype of a retreat, when men and women withdraw form ordinary activities to pray, and await a new visitation of the Holy Spirit to be an apostle.

 

The Cenacle in Jerusalem, Israel
 

 

The Three-fold Mission of the Cenacle Sisters

Apostolic Service
To make Jesus Christ known and loved through an apostolic life in the service of the church, like the Apostles, transformed into eager witnesses and messengers under the action of the Spirit, to make the Gospel known and loved by means of retreats and education in the faith so that it may become a source of life for everyone. And therefore to be caught up by the love of Jesus Christ so that our lives, far more than our words, may speak clearly of him.

Prayer
To make Jesus Christ known and loved by a life of prayer. Prayer which is at the centre of the mystery of the Cenacle and permeates our life. Prayer which draws down on us and on the world the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Prayer which urges us to action, as action moves us to pray so that in all things the face of Christ may be revealed and his love given and received.

Community Life
To make Jesus Christ known and loved through a community life where all are seeking to have but one heart and one soul. A community of faith, gathered out of love for the Lord and united in the same mission. A community life nourished by the Word and the Eucharist and signifying the possibility of loving one another as Christ has loved us.


Find out more about us: