The Community and our Houses THE COMMUNITY

Today, the Community of La Roche d’Or brings together 34 people (men, women, priests and laypersons) working to spread the Gospel! This mission takes place over two sites, La Roche d’Or in Besançon, the original community, where everything began, and Fontanilles in the Eastern Pyrenees.

Working alongside these 34 people are many friends who take part in community’s mission when they have the time, skills or knowledge required. In addition there are also some very close companions who are particularly engaged in the community mission.

Founded in 1950 by Father Florin Callerand, encouraged by the Archbishop of Besançon, Msgr Dubourg, the Community of La Roche d’Or has evolved in the same spirit as the Foyers de Charite: a biblical, evangelical, Marian word that is actively spoken. 

In 1980, the arrival of Françoise Porte infused the community with a new lease of life. Trained in Humanities and enthused with the development of New Communities, she’s committed to working with the community to ensure that the way of life stands as testament to the spoken word! A few years later, Father Roger Robert came to follow and develop the work that had begun. He bought with him his own special brand of charisma.

In 1993, the community was recognised by Msgr Daloz, Archbishop of Besançon, as “A Public Association of the Faithful” and Father Florin Callerand, Françoise Porte and Father Roger Robert as the “Core Founders.”

Following the passing of Father Florin Callerand in March 1998, Father Roger Robert and Françoise Porte took over responsibility for the Community and moving it forward.

In June 2018, they in turn retired from their roles of responsibility. Roger Robert as the priest in charge and Françoise Porte as moderator. Father Olivier Sournia was named as priest in charge of the Community and Danièle Valès as moderator.

With the intention of coherence and living the word spoken at retreats, the community is organised around a lifestyle of clarity, spontaneity and shared responsibility among all who are there.

Sharing the Gospel through hospitality is at the heart of the work in the houses in every aspect. It’s about creating beautiful, bountiful spaces everywhere and in all things, where the soul can breathe in the presence of God.

The most humanising thing is that which is free. We need to be astounded. Roger ROBERT

Many retreats are offered both at La Roche d’Or and Fontanilles: a lively, abundant way of passing on the gospel, aimed at people of all ages from all origins who are searching to make sense of their lives, searching for God or wanting to deepen their knowledge of the Gospel.

Several types of retreats are offered, all offer an experience of spontaneous “prophetic’ teachings, just like the very first Christian communities. In this same vein, travelling retreats are hosted on Holy Lands, in Greece, Lourdes, Assisi and Rome. 

With its welcoming spirit, way of life and testimony, the Community creates a friendly space where anyone can come to open themselves up to Grace. During school holidays, children are welcomed along with their parents for a real family experience.