How to Start a Flame of Love Prayer Cenacle: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve been discerning a call to start a cenacle but aren’t sure where to begin, you’re not alone. The Flame of Love Movement is dedicated to fulfilling Our Lord’s longing for souls through the Heart-to-Heart spreading of the Flame and formation of prayer groups, or cenacles. These cenacles, inspired by the Diary of Elizabeth Kindelmann, are centers of prayer, reparation, and love, helping to unite us with Mary’s Immaculate Heart in a mission of salvation.
In her messages to Elizabeth, Our Blessed Mother implores us: “Make reparation. He has been offended so often.” This call to prayer and reparation forms the heart of every Flame of Love Cenacle. If you feel called to start one in your community, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
Step One: Begin with Prayer
The foundation of any cenacle is prayer. Start by seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance, asking for wisdom and grace. Trust in the words of St. Paul, who reminds us in Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
A suggested prayer:
“Holy Spirit, you are the Love between the Father and Son, the Sanctifier, the Author of Grace, the Giver of Gifts, especially Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge and Counsel. I beg You, through Your Spouse and My Mother Mary, and the power of the Flame of Love of Her Immaculate Heart, if it be your Holy Will, convict me to spread this Grace and show me how to do so.” Amen.
The Unity Prayer each day, throughout the day, is very powerful and efficacious in one’s daily prayer life.
Step Two: Read the Spiritual Diary of Elizabeth Kindelmann
The Spiritual Diary of Elizabeth Kindelmann is a key text that will deepen your understanding of the Flame of Love. Available in both an abridged and unabridged edition, this diary outlines the revelations and messages Elizabeth received from Our Lady and Jesus. As you read, focus on the themes of reparation, sanctification, and salvation. These will help to guide your cenacle prayers and intentions.
Step Three: Familiarize Yourself with Cenacle Prayers
To begin leading a cenacle, you must be familiar with the prayers and practices specific to the Flame of Love. The daily Flame of Love Rosary is essential, especially the special petition: “Spread the effect of Grace of thy Flame of Love over all humanity.”
Here are some additional resources:
- The Flame of Love Holy Hour Cenacle Guide (available online)
- How to Lead a Flame of Love Prayer Cenacle
- Flame of Love Mobile App for easy access to prayers.
- Attend a cenacle to observe how they are hosted and organized. Find a Cenacle.
- Review the Leaders Manual Tab on the Flame of Love website for more guidance.
- Statutes and Role and Responsibilities of Leadership Statutes tab.
- The Theological Examination of the Spiritual Diary of Elizabeth Kindelmann.
Step Four: Decide on a Virtual or Physical Cenacle
You may be called to lead a cenacle either in person or virtually. If you’re starting a physical cenacle, it’s best to begin in your home, especially if you are not yet ready to approach your pastor. If you plan to eventually host a cenacle at a parish, prayerfully consider offering a fast for a period of time and then seek your pastor’s permission. Parish Resources available here.
For virtual cenacles, providing link for online format can allow for flexibility and broader participation.
Step Five: Embrace the Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Spiritual Exercises
Leaders should strive to engage in the Flame of Love IHM Spiritual Exercises, which include fasting and can help strengthen your commitment to prayer and reparation. Learn More.
Final Step: Register Your Cenacle and Seek Support
Once you’ve decided to start your cenacle, there’s no need for formal permission from the Flame of Love Movement. However, we encourage you to register your cenacle and reach out to your regional leader to introduce yourself and gain support.
National Leaders are available to help you on your journey and can offer practical and spiritual assistance!
Remember, the Flame of Love is shared heart-to-heart. While we encourage you to invite others, it’s not about numbers—it’s about the perseverance in spreading these graces with love and unity.
A Call to Reparation
The Flame of Love Cenacles serve a shared mission—to make reparation for sin. Each cenacle should follow the prayers and guidelines of the movement, as set forth in the International Statutes. This ensures that the cenacle remains true to its spiritual foundations and the mission of Our Lord and Our Lady to ignite the Flame of Love into all hearts.
Starting a Flame of Love Cenacle is a profound commitment to prayer, love, and reparation. By following these steps and staying rooted in prayer, you can help spread the Flame of Love to your community and beyond. Whether you’re leading a physical or virtual cenacle, remember that you are part of a greater mission—united with others in prayer and love for souls.