Association of Shop Assistants. Cover and page 1 of the booklet

Source: ACF, 3N8.

To support and nurture the spiritual life of their retreatants, the sisters invited some of them to join associations placed under the patronage of Our Lady of the Cenacle and St. John Francis Regis. The aim was to care for the salvation of one’s soul and, as far as possible, to share one’s faith with those around them. To this end, entry into an association was marked by an act of consecration to the Blessed Virgin, and various devotional practices were encouraged: living in a spirit of prayer, charity and zeal; praying for specific intentions; engaging in devotional exercises (including a monthly meeting at a Cenacle house), etc.

Aware that the needs of different socio-professional groups varied, the sisters adapted their offerings by establishing associations based on occupation: for example, the Association of Shop Assistants.