Our History & Mission

The mission of The Cenacle on the Lake is to provide a welcoming, sacred space for Catholic women to encounter Jesus in the tradition of Ignatian Spirituality.

The Cenacle on the Lake has been a part of the fabric of life in New Orleans for over 65 years, and is regarded as holy ground by all those who have been coming here on retreat. It was built in 1958 by the Cenacle Sisters in order to provide a spiritual sanctuary for those who wanted to spend quiet time in prayer and deepen their relationship with God. In October of 2013, the Archdiocese of New Orleans purchased the property from the Cenacle Sisters and continues to build upon this same foundation today.

Since 1958, the Cenacle Retreat House has served women in the Archdiocese of New Orleans and beyond.  It was started as a retreat house for women so they could experience something similar to what men experienced at Manresa.  The Retreat Center was built by the Cenacle Sisters, made possible by many generous donors in the New Orleans area, in order to provide a spiritual sanctuary for those who wanted to spend quiet time in prayer and deepen their relationship with God.
For 55 years, the Sisters of the Cenacle faithfully ministered at the Cenacle Retreat House and laid a strong foundation for the Retreat Center. They helped countless women encounter our Lord while at the Cenacle. We are grateful for their many years of ministry in New Orleans!
When the Cenacle Sisters had to step away from this ministry in Metairie in 2013, the Archdiocese of New Orleans purchased the Cenacle Retreat House in order to continue this important retreat ministry. At the request of the Cenacle Sisters, the name “Cenacle Retreat House” was discontinued so it would be clear the retreat center is no longer affiliated with the Sisters of the Cenacle. It became known as "The Archdiocese of New Orleans Retreat Center Dedicated to Our Lady of the Cenacle.” Despite the name change, most locals continued to call it “The Cenacle.”
In order to connect the strong legacy left by the Cenacle Sisters with the exciting future ahead, we will now refer to the retreat center as “The Cenacle on the Lake.” We want to honor the past as we look to the future! We hope to see you at “The Cenacle on the Lake!”