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Opening of the Cenacle of Vo-Pedakondji
The First Cenacle built in Togo, near Vogan
March 8, 2014
As Sister Patricia said during the Inauguration after Mass:
"The Sisters arrived in Vogan 18 years ago. For several years they lived among you, simply, in a diocesan house, gradually discovering the people, the country and the unique customs of Togo. It was during this time that increasingly the urgent call of God to build a spiritual centre was heard. In responding to this call, the entire Congregation has made an act in Faith as Mother Thérèse and Father Terme did in their time by bringing forth from the earth the first Cenacle of La Louvesc, France. It is for this reason that we can say today, as in 1826 in La Louvesc, that heaven and earth are meeting. God wanted this place to nourish and renew spiritually the people of Vogan, of Togo and perhaps the people of other West African countries, so His people can meet him more profoundly."
In these photos, you can see: Those who came from Vogan, Lomé and the surrounding towns and villages, Bishop Isaac Jogues Gaglo, Bishop of the Diocese of Aneho, and some priests, the choir from the mission church of Vo-Pédakondji (the church where Sunday Mass is celebrated, but is not the parish), the civil officials, friends, neighbors, religious from various congregations, the family of our Togolese Sister Toussainte, les Bâtisseurs (lay men and women who have collaborated with the Cenacle for many years), the architects, technicians, artisans, representatives from the various trades and many others.
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The Mass and blessing were accompanied by both French and Togolese songs
and, of course, words of thanks and gratitude. As Sister Patricia said:
"I must also say that I am particularly touched to inaugurate this Spiritual Centre on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the "Se Livrer" text of our Mother Thérèse. Following in the example of our Foundress St. Thérèse Couderc, the sisters who came from different countries to found this Cenacle in Togo, have surrendered their lives.
This house is also founded on the life of Sister Toussainte Djondo, our first Togolese sister, her life also given and surrendered. Sr. Toussainte on becoming a member of our Congregation left her country several times to participate in the International dimension of our mission. She has been in France for a little more than two years for personal renewal and further formation. This is why she cannot be physically with us today, and this is a great sacrifice for her. However I know that she is very much with us in heart and prayer.
This house is built on the "radical yes" of our sisters, who "dared to go out” of their countries, their customs, of all that was familiar to them, to participate without reserve in the mission of Jesus Christ through our charism. It is this gift of themselves, their way of "surrendering themselves" to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that we also celebrate today with joy and gratitude. To each of you, Thank You!
This house is founded on the faith of our sisters, it is also founded on the faith of our faithful friends "bâtisseurs (builders)" who, for several years, have been helping us to develop the mission and charism of the Cenacle here. And to each one of you, Thank you!"
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Here are some photos to give you an idea of the new spiritual center where our sisters will gladly welcome you for a retreat, a program or any other form of spiritual healing. In the center is the chapel, surrounded by an exceptionally green lawn, thanks to the rains which fell even during the dry season. All around this peaceful place, one can see fields as far as the eye can see. The apatam (a gazabo for welcoming), the lobby, dormitories as well as individual bedrooms, large and small rooms, parlors for individual conversations, facilities for traditional cooking, etc., are well-suited to welcome both groups and individuals who want to deepen their faith.
For more information, do not hesitate to contact the Sisters of the Cenacle in Vo-Pédakondji: cenacle.vogan@live.fr
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May the Lord bless this house, the sisters who live here, those who work here,
and all who cross the threshold!