Author:

Abstract:

This research delves into the addiction recovery approach of the Cenacolo community from a theological perspective, particularly focusing on the significance of friendship in the recovery process. Founded in 1983 by Sister Elvira Petrozzi, the Cenacolo community has expanded globally, offering a three-year residential recovery program centred around work and prayer. Despite its rather long history and media presence, there is limited knowledge about the specifics of the community's recovery method. The research utilises testimonials from former addicts within the community to understand their spiritual experiences and growth during recovery. The study adopts a theoretical framework influenced by Scottish theologian John Swinton's understanding of spirituality, which encompasses elements of religion but is not confined by it. Grounded theory methodology is employed to extract key features of the recovery method as experienced by participants. Grounded theory provides a framework for understanding the values, challenges, and aspirations of individuals within the Cenacolo community, offering insights into their faith-based practices. The findings suggest that while the community emphasises the importance of developing a relationship with God, former addicts primarily attribute their recovery to the support and friendships formed within the community. Friendship is highlighted as a crucial factor in overcoming challenges and maintaining sobriety, reinforcing trust in life and humanity. The research also seeks to integrate its findings with current theological scholarship on practical theology of friendship, aiming to contribute to understanding Cenacolo spirituality and its interplay with friendship, work, and prayer. By aligning with Anne-Marie Ellithorpe's work in the practical theology of friendship, the study aims to enrich the theological discourse on the significance of friendship in the context of addiction recovery. At the same time, by comparing the Cenacolo empowerment model with other recovery approaches, the research provides context for understanding its strengths and limitations. Engagement with thinkers such as Moltmann, Levinas, Metz, and Sobrino contributes to a deeper understanding of friendship as a transformative and inclusive force and adds depth to the discussion by addressing complex relational dynamics, power asymmetries, and the role of community in the recovery process. This dissertation represents the first scholarly articulation of the Cenacolo community's recovery approach. By proposing a theological framework based on the lived experiences of former addicts, it sheds light on the spirituality of work and prayer within the Cenacolo community, emphasising the importance of relationality among community members. By highlighting the pivotal role of friendship within the Cenacolo community's recovery approach, this dissertation enriches theological discourse on the significance of relationality in spiritual and personal transformation. Furthermore, this research bridges the gap between addiction care, pastoral support, and spirituality studies, offering valuable insights for researchers in these fields. Finally, by shedding light on lesser-known faith-based trajectories of addiction recovery, the dissertation broadens the scope of available knowledge for both pastoral workers and addiction recovery professionals. The findings of this study enhance understanding of alternative approaches to recovery and equip professional staff with valuable insights and perspectives that can inform their practice and interventions.