“ We organized weekends between us with a fairly natural mix of spirituality, sport and celebration: we started to invite friends of friends… and the mayonnaise took, analysis, still a little surprised, Stéphanie, 39, co-founder of the Francis Academy. Far from spiritual retreats or purely sporting activities, the Francis Academy aims to be a unifying and inclusive event for 35-45 year olds.
“The classic initiatives are aimed at students, then at young professionals, then at couples says Stephanie. Here, singles, couples, believers and atheists are invited for a four-day break in order to unify body, soul and spirit. On the program: disconnection and encounters in a “natural” setting. ” It allows you to disconnect immediately: the objective is to get out of yourself in order to break down barriers and discover the other more easily », continues Stephanie.
An “à la carte” proposal that is emulated
Since 2014, seven editions of the Francis Academy have taken place: at the sea or in the mountains, mainly in November, ” a period when one needs to regain energy”, emphasizes the co-founder. “ love and do what you want », “Dare to take your place! » or “ Audacity! “: each edition is marked by a theme chosen by the animation team. “ We discuss among ourselves what drives us, what crosses us “, explains Stephanie. A priest and specialists in the subject are invited each year to share their insights and thus deepen the reflection.
“What are you doing with your talents? » It was during this 2017 edition that Sophie, 34, discovered the Francis Academy. “ For me, it was the winning trio: sport, spinnaker and more than 30 years “. Seduced by the simplicity of the exchanges and the relaxed atmosphere, this property manager immediately joined the “Francis” concept, whose name was freely inspired by the name of Pope Francis.
” It’s a very unifying proposition, which attracts all types of profiles: it opened my eyes to other life paths “, she recalls. Between topo, hikes and dance evening but also prayer time and mass, Sophie appreciated the variety of content “à la carte”, beyond a simple weekend with friends. With a group, she even organized a “Francis bis” in May 2019 in Auvergne, in order to continue to share the flavor of these extraordinary weekends.
“Francis aperitif” and “Francis new year”
” All goodwill is welcomed to launch other Francis confirms Stephanie. Faced with the success of the proposal, and in order to mix as many profiles as possible, individual participations are limited to two. This does not prevent former participants from organizing aperitifs or “Francis” New Year’s Eve when they return to their city. ” The promotions mix naturally: they aspire to find this form of simplicity and warmth that we experience every year »says Stephanie.
On the occasion of the next edition, which will take place from November 10 to 14 at Mont-Saint-Michel on the theme of balance, around sixty participants are expected. For Sophie, who got married in the meantime, it’s time for discernment to try again, perhaps as a couple, the unique adventure of the “Francis Academy”.
Information and registration: www.lafrancisacademy.com