On March 7th and 8th, 2026, in Vannes, France, the 2026 Provincial Assembly of the “Faith and Light” communities of the France-West region took place, with the four dioceses of Brittany, Loire-Atlantique, Vendée, and Martinique participating via videoconference.
Organized into meeting communities, Faith and Light welcomes children, teenagers, and adults with mental disabilities, along with their families and friends.
Members of each community meet regularly for times of celebration, sharing, friendship, and prayer.
“Hello to all of you, coordinators and correspondents of the ‘Faith and Light’ communities.
2026 will be an important year for us: we will be electing the new coordinator(s) for our province.” At the invitation of Denis and Catherine Blanchard, leaders of the France-West Province, our Pontivy community was present: Yves, Céline, Véronique, Dominique, Rémy, and Sr. Annick.
This gathering included parents, leaders, people with disabilities, and friends.
A time of fellowship
“Our two days were punctuated by songs of praise and moments of reflection leading up to a vote.
Times of joyful fellowship, kindness, and simplicity.
People with disabilities inspired us to experience this gathering through praise.
Joy radiated from their faces…the happiness of just being there together. People with disabilities dare to express their zest for life.
Faith and Light is a large international family where everyone is considered a brother or sister to be loved. We can be joyful despite our disabilities and be authentic just as we are. Halleluias sprang from our hearts. It was the joy of being beloved friends of Jesus.
This weekend was a beautiful, friendly gathering.
It was an opportunity to discover how Faith and Light functions.
The retrospective presentations and discussions allowed us to share our experiences. After the evaluation, hopes for the future were discussed. Sr. Annick
Testimonials
“Time was set aside for the election of the provincial director and the vice-provincial directors.
The election process was interesting in the way it unfolded. There are no candidates who put themselves forward; rather, individuals are called upon by others to serve in these roles. Those called then engage in a process of discernment to decide whether or not to accept. With simplicity and strength, Deacon André Haurine, a father of four (who is blind) and national chaplain of Faith and Light, presided over the voting. It was a very moving moment when he thanked those whose terms were ending and those being sent on mission. (One couple per diocese is responsible for accompanying the communities.)” Céline
“Remi and Dominique had a wonderful weekend.
Dominique was happy to see all the people she knew from her former communities. On Saturday evening, she took the microphone to sing in front of everyone. I almost stopped her. Luckily, I let her do it. They feel truly free and happy at Faith and Light, without being judged! Dominique and Remi really enjoy the new songs; they’re very catchy for them.
I was very happy to see our community friends from St. Brieuc again.
The elections went well. That’s my experience.” Véronique
Meetings
“For me, the weekend was an opportunity to strengthen the bonds within our team by expressing shared memories and defining moments for us.
I discovered the scope of the province, which is part of an international movement.
We met with members of communities from different dioceses while also holding a video conference with Martinique. National representatives were present, including the movement’s national chaplain, Deacon André Haurine.
It was an opportunity to reconnect with members of the Morbihan communities (Carnac, Ploërmel, whom we had already met at a diocesan gathering.
The meeting with Bishop Hubert Herbreteau of Vendée, Bishop Emeritus of Agen. He presided over Sunday Mass.
I appreciated the remarks by André Haurine, the movement’s national chaplain, whether during the various elections or in his homily. Words of striking depth! I’d be tempted to speak of a depth of insight, even though André is blind.
A weekend of discovering the movement and its members, a time of renewal and openness to what is shared in other teams, and perhaps even avenues to explore for our community in Pontivy.” Yves
For me, this gathering was a call to make ourselves known in parishes and in institutions that care for young people and adults with mental disabilities.
Faith and Light is a large community that does not leave families to bear their heavy burdens alone.
For me, Faith and Light is the special place to “Honor the Sacred Humanity of the Son of God.” RV No.3
Sr. Annick, fj
Pontivy, France
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