About
The West Virginia Institute for Spirituality (WVIS) Retreat and Training Center provides a place for men and women to nurture their spirits. Saint Marie Victoire Therese Couderc, the namesake of this beautiful facility, dedicated her life to retreat ministry. In the same way, the men and women associated with WVIS are committed to the ministry of spiritual direction through the work they do each day.
Our Mission
The West Virginia Institute for Spirituality is dedicated to providing space and opportunities for deepening mindfulness, prayer practice, interior peace, and for integrating moral and ethical values.
WVIS in the news…
A Message from our Executive Director
During these hot summer days it’s easy to feel oppressed by the heat. The state of our world can also feel oppressive. Wars, hatred, division, natural disasters, poverty, all the “-isms” of modern culture—it can feel overwhelming and consequently paralyzing. Enter the...
The Pause that Refreshes Your Soul
Dr. Shannon Lenet, spiritual director and one of WVIS Contemplative Prayer leaders shares, "this title, inspired by the Coca Cola ad campaign is a perfect description for the WVIS Contemplative Prayer Community, which meets weeknights from 7 p.m. to 7:20 p.m., Monday...
Sacred Grief – Journeying through the Five Gates of Grief
Grief is a natural and normal emotion that is the result of us opening ourselves up to being vulnerable in an impermanent world. It is caused by the end or change in a familiar pattern in our lives and our attachment to the familiar. The loss of anyone (or thing) we...
Programs
WVIS offers workshops and programs throughout the year. These programs, many of which are available via Zoom, are aligned with our mission of providing opportunities for deepening mindfulness, prayer practice, interior peace, and for integrating moral and ethical values.
WVIS also offers programs for continuing education and/or CEU credits as applicable, for social workers, registered nurses, licensed professional counselors, and spiritual directors.
Satellite Locations
WVIS continues to expand its mission into new regions as its associate ministry directors are located in various locations. These individuals share the mission of WVIS through their shared charism of spiritual direction using their individual gifts and talents. Spiritual direction, programs, and other offerings are available through satellite locations either face-to-face or via Zoom.
Board of Directors
WVIS Board of Directors and Officers are elected to serve beginning in October each year. To view the Board of Directors, Members, Mission, Constitution and Bylaws as well as the WVIS Strategic Plan, click below.
Faculty
The West Virginia Institute for Spirituality is home to a diverse and deeply committed faculty, each bringing unique gifts, professional expertise, and lived wisdom to their ministry. Our team includes spiritual directors, retreat leaders, authors, educators, counselors, and practitioners from a variety of backgrounds. Currently all of WVIS training is available online via Zoom.
History of WVIS
The Cenacle Retreat House (1114 Virginia Street, East) came to be when The Most Reverend Joseph H. Hodges, Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston requested the religious sisters of Our Lady of the Cenacle to develop a retreat house in downtown Charleston.
Initially, three volunteers came to staff the Cenacle: Sister Dorothy O’Brien, Sister Anna Carulli, and Sister Mary Pellicane from the Sisters of Eastern Province. Sister Carole Riley, a Sister of Divine Providence, offered to be an adjunct member.
The Cenacle was: a living prayer, in the heart of the city; a sacred space, in constant ministry, training disciples, among the faiths. For twenty-two years many activities were provided, including directed retreats, seminars, spiritual direction, training of spiritual directors, contemplative prayer, retreats for youth, programs, workshops, 30-day retreats, women’s retreats, as well as community and international programs.
WVIS is a 501 (c)(3).
Contact
1601 Virginia Street East
Charleston, West Virginia 25311
304.345.0926 (main)
304.345.8206 (fax)
Information contained on this site is for the sole use of members of The West Virginia Institute for Spirituality community and may not be used for commercial purposes. All content, unless otherwise specified, is the property of The West Virginia Institute for Spirituality and may only be used with permission. © 2025 The West Virginia Institute for Spirituality.