In keeping with the congregation’s intellectual tradition, and with a view to learning, with other Christians, about issues linked to the incarnation of our faith in society, a number of forums for training, debate and encounter have been created over the years. A few flagship events bring together several hundred participants, alongside many other, more modest offerings in our parishes, welcome centers, sanctuaries, educational institutions, media…
There have been a number of successful formulas over the years:
The Essarts sessions (France)– The Assumptionist Summer Universities, which became the European Assumptionist Universities-UEA (France) – The Bible Festivals (Quebec) – The Assises de la spiritualité (Québec) – The Entretiens de Valpré (France). – Colloquia linked to our history or that of our works (e.g.Colloquium on the Assumptionists in Russia or Colloquium marking 150 years of Bayard) – Forum 104…
The Entretiens de Valpré
At the crossroads of business and people
Since 2002, the Entretiens de Valpré have been bringing together business leaders, executives, entrepreneurs and students for a day and a half, to foster inspiration, exchange and experience on the key issues facing the economy, business and society in the light of Christian social thought.
Around a different theme each time, prestigious guests from all walks of life share their thoughts and experiences at conferences, debates and workshops, in an atmosphere of sincerity, plurality, benevolence and fraternity.
Les Entretiens de Valpré alternates lectures, round tables, masterclasses and workshops…
The event is organized by the Congregation of the Augustinians of the Assumption and takes place at the Valpré Conference and Seminar Center in Ecully (Lyon-France).
Latest topics covered:
- 2025 – AI thinks, therefore I am? Challenging human responsibility (23rd edition)
- 2024 – Corporate citizenship: a little, a lot, how much?
- 2023 – The meaning of work: Work upside down
- 2022 – The desirable economy: Tomorrow or forever?
- 2021 – Can you catch courage? Generating it, cultivating it, strengthening it
- …
Forum 104
A cultural and spiritual meeting place in the heart of Paris
In 1983, on the initiative of the Marist Fathers, Forum104 took over from the student hostel that had existed for over 80 years. It has been supported by the Assumptionists since 2014.
Hospitality, fraternity, otherness
The principles of hospitality, fraternity and otherness that lie at the heart of Christianity have made possible this extraordinary experience.
possible this extraordinary experience, which still makes the Forum104 a unique place, where :
- different approaches to man and society, different paths to personal development and spirituality.
spirituality, all questions about man, the divine and the ultimate are recognized as objects for
of reflection, study and research, experience and commitment, - people and groups from different backgrounds can meet, communicate and exchange ideas
and open up to traditions other than their own.
While offering a dialogue between the Christian tradition, other religions (Judaism, Islam,
Buddhism and Hinduism) and spiritualities outside the tradition, Forum104 has always been keen to
to welcome new ways of thinking, seeing and experiencing reality.
…and the Notre-Dame des Anges chapel
Located at the same address, Forum104 and the Notre-Dame des Anges chapel also share the same convictions and intuitions…
Aware of today’s diversity of human and spiritual journeys, Forum104 and the Notre-Dame des Anges chapel intend to offer genuine hospitality to all, rejecting both ideological positions and simplistic oppositional postures.
Forum104 celebrates its 40th anniversary!
Assumptionist European University
After more than 20 years in existence, the Assumptionist European University is entering a more modest format ofonline university and occasional meetings. Founded in the service of the Augustinians of the Assumption and open to all, its aim is to help human beings progress through training, communication and education.
So, by browsing through “Our Themes” and “The Universities”, you’ll discover the wealth of conferences and exchanges from our past Summer and Autumn Universities.
Les Assises de la spiritualité
The Assises de la spiritualité was born of a partnership between three players: the Centre Culture et Foi du Montmartre in Quebec City (Augustins de l’Assomptions), and the publishing houses Novalis and Médiaspaul.
A brief history:
- Launch (2013): The event was established to create an annual space for dialogue in Quebec City, bringing together the perspectives of philosophy, medicine andexegesis on contemporary issues.
- Consolation (2015): The third edition marked an important turning point by tackling the theme of suffering and comfort, cementing Assises’ reputation as a place for deep reflection on human frailty.
- Digital adaptation (2021): Faced with the challenges of the pandemic, the event integrated the virtual format, expanding its audience beyond Quebec City to include international speakers.
- Refocusing on resilience (2023): With the theme “From Despair to Hope”, the Assises reaffirmed their mission: to offer spiritual tools to get through today’s social crises.
These meetings are renowned for their interdisciplinary approach and their ability to make spirituality concrete and accessible.
