The national congress of the Christian Life Community (CVX) in France was held in Strasbourg from 12 to 14 July 2025, under the theme ‘Peacemakers, at the crossroads of the world, come to the source’. This event brought together 2,300 CLC members from France and neighbouring countries in a city symbolic of reconciliation and intercultural dialogue.

Objectives of the congress

Participants were invited to reflect on the complexity of peace in our societies and to meet those who bring it to life on a daily basis. They were also encouraged to become agents of peace in their own environments.

Highlights

Round tables and testimonials: 150 groups met with people committed to peace, from associations, businesses, collectives, trade unions and spiritual movements.
Catholic Church in France

Practical experiments

Workshops enabled participants to engage in concrete, practical experiences to deepen their understanding and action in favour of peace.

Spiritual interventions

Prayer sessions were organised, notably in connection with the digital portal for Ignatian spirituality, ‘Prie en chemin’ (Pray on the Way)

Commitment of the Jesuits

Father Hervé Le Houérou, a Jesuit, celebrated his six years as national assistant to the CVX. He expressed his gratitude for this fruitful companionship in the service of a community that contributes to the future of the Church. He was replaced by Father Xavier Roger, also a Jesuit, former national chaplain of the Eucharistic Youth Movement (MEJ).
jesuites.com

Summary of the congress

At the end of the congress, a team of five people offered a summary of the discussions, emphasising that:

• Peace is not a static state, but a paschal process, a call to go through conflicts, to conversion, to harmonise as in a dance.
• It arises from silence, prayer, assiduousness to the word, and an inner work of peace with oneself and with others.
• It is a gift from God, a source of hope, even in the midst of tensions.
• It is essential to love our enemies and to believe that authentic and lasting peace is possible.