Dear Companions, Aspirants, Young Members,
Our Mothers, Our Lady Hostesses,
And dear friends,
The year 2025 was a pivotal year.
She allowed us toforcefully assert our companion identity, consolidate our ceremonies, unify our word and relaunch the work necessary for the continuity of our Union. In a rapidly changing world, we have chosen to remain faithful to what makes our singularity: the transmission, the demand of the profession and the lived brotherhood.
We have strengthened, and sometimes built, lasting ties.
Like the links of a transmission chain that goes through time, we have gathered our energies around structuring projects: training, accompaniment to the Tour de France, the development of our refresher courses, the outreach of our houses and the enhancement of our material and intangible heritage.
The year 2026 opened with continuity and ambition.
Many of the work that will be undertaken will continue: the consolidation of our national organization, the evolution of our intranet – a living, ever-changing tool, the strengthening of our educational and institutional partnerships, as well as the preparation of the major deadlines that will be announced, first and foremost our Congress of 2026 and the sustainability of our emblematic places.
I also wish, and I have the sincere conviction, that the coming year marks a deep and lasting re-engagement around our national headquarters in Versailles. A place of memory, transmission and radiation, it must continue to bring together the Companions, trades and generations, at the service of our Union and of the future of our Companionage.
The year 2026 will also have a special symbolic dimension, since it will mark the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of George Sand's disappearance (1876-2026). On this occasion, we are working to create an event in June, combining culture, trades, transmission and memory, in the humanistic and
progressive who was his.
In each of these works, we will remain faithful to our oaths and our tradition of demand, never giving in to ease, nor forget that progress only makes sense when it respects the spirit that underpins us.
Let everyone, on their companion path, find strength and momentum to go ever further in the mastery of matter, the precision of gesture, the excellence of art and the elevation of the mind. Companion is not an end, it is a path.
At this time of vows, it is also fair to remind our loved ones and friends how much their support counts for us, and how their silent presence accompanies our often demanding commitments.
To all of you, I extend my most sincere and fraternal wishes for this new year 2026. Let it be placed under the sign of well done work, shared transmission and lived brotherhood.
I also extend my warm thoughts to our friends from the Companion Federation, the Association Ouvrière, the CCEG and all our partners and supporters, wishing them a year of success, joy and shared trust.
Long live the Companion, long live theUnion compagnonnique
Fraternally
Dominique Saffré
Nantais Philosophy
