"Living fraternity with the poorest of the poor
by listening to each person's spiritual needs".
This meeting, which will be held on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 February 2026 at Valpré-Lyon, is aimed at any volunteer or salaried employee who works with people in precarious situations.
The aim is to work together to find ways to responding to the spiritual needs of people living in precarious conditions, particularly in a secular context. We will also enable us to listen to our own spiritual needs as carers and how to respond.
Testimonials, presentations, round tables and small-group discussions will be used to explore these issues in greater depth.
Practicalities :
Accommodation available at Valpré or Prado Limonest.
Meals and session fees to be arranged - prices and registration details to be confirmed in the autumn.
Friday 6 February 2026
listening to the spiritual needs of people in precarious situations
Morning
- Welcoming participants
- Teaching : the legal framework for secularism in France: what does the law say about establishments for people in precarious situations? Sylvie Beaumont - social work trainer
- Teaching : recognise, listen to and take account of people's spiritual needs. Emmanuel Besnard - Director of Valdocco Formations
Lunch break
Afternoon
- Round table - with 4 witnesses committed to helping the poorest people
In the context of the law on secularism, how have you taken into account the spiritual needs of the people for whom you are responsible?
- Jérôme Colrat - former Director of Alynea - Director of the ARHM Foundation
- Véronique Fayet, former President of Secours Catholique - to be confirmed
- Jonathan Bonnet - Head of Department at Prado Education
- A witness from the Muslim world - name to be confirmed
- Personal time and time in small groups
- Plenary session - resumption of the day
Dinner break
- Vigil hosted by the Sappel community
Saturday 7 February 2026
Listening to our spiritual needs as people committed to solidarity
Morning
- Welcoming participants
- Teaching : How, at the heart of my work with people in precarious situations, do I allow myself to be taught by the poorest? Bruno-Marie Duffé - theologian
Round table - 4 witnesses committed to helping people in precarious situations
How do they experience this support? How does it nourish them? Where do they go to recharge their batteries?
- Personal time
Lunch break
Afternoon:
- Tools for nourishment and support
- Teamwork and practice review : by Tanguy Cambier, Catholic Relief Services
- Spiritual guidance - retreats : by Anne Da, xavière
- Place et Parole des Pauvres Group : by Anne Le Nevé, Head of Diaconia, Diocese of Grenoble-Vienne
- Other tools
- Time in small groups
- Closing plenary session
Eucharistic celebration Chaired by Mgr Olivier de Germay
