Still life left for a revered New Orleans retreat house

Archbishop Gregory Aymond considers buying Metairie Cenacle property

The Cenacle Retreat House in Metairie plans to close in 2013, and the property will be sold. (Photo by The Times-Picayune archive)

By Drew Broach, NOLA.com | The Times-PicayuneThe Times-Picayune
on October 25, 2012

With Metairie's Cenacle Retreat House closing after 55 years, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans said Thursday it is open to the idea of buying the property to continue offering a haven for spiritual development. The archdiocese released this statement from Archbishop Gregory Aymond:
“I have spoken with the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center and others about providing retreats, spiritual exercises and other activities for women. The Cenacle has provided this service in an extraordinary way throughout the years, and I would not want this ministry to be lost.
"Many people have asked me about the possibility of the archdiocese purchasing the retreat house and absorbing the ministry. I am interested but do not know yet if it is financially feasible for us to do so. This remains an unanswered question we will continue to investigate.”
The Cenacle, operated since 1958 by a dwindling group of nuns on 20 acres at 5500 St. Mary Street, has announced it will close in 2013 and seek a buyer. Catering primarily to women, it offers weekend retreats, daily programs and individual spiritual direction.