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A promise of inner peace

Dave Borowski | Catholic Herald

Fr. Jacques Philippe talks about inner peace at St. Veronica Church in Chantilly and is translated by Sr. Magdalit Boldul.

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Fr. Jacques Philippe autographs his books after his Jan. 5 talk at St. Veronica Church in Chantilly. His translator, Sr. Magdalit Boldul, speaks to a man who attended the talk.

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Fr. Philippe and Sr. Magdalit pray in front of the White House during their week in the Washington area.

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St. Veronica Church in Chantilly was filled Jan. 5 with
people eager to hear international author and lecturer Father
Jacques Philippe speak on achieving and maintaining inner
peace.

Father Philippe was born in 1947 in Lorraine, France. In
1976, after years of teaching and research, he entered the
Community of the Beatitudes and traveled around the world
studying theology and Hebrew. He has conducted retreats
internationally and has written five books on themes such as
peace, fulfillment, prayer, freedom and the writings of St.
Therese of Lisieux.

At St. Veronica, Father Philippe spoke in French translated
into English by Community of Beatitudes Sister Magdalit
Boldul.

To set the mood, Father Philippe led the audience in singing
the hymn “Come, Holy Spirit.”

He said that even in these complicated times serenity is
possible.

“This peace I am talking about only Christ can give,” he
said.

Father Philippe quoted Scripture as evidence of Christ’s
promise of peace through Him.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the
world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be
troubled or afraid” (Jn 14:27).

Peace is a promise given by Jesus, said Father Philippe, and
he evidenced that promise again with Scripture, quoting St.
Paul in Philippians Chapter 4: “Then the peace of God that
surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds
in Christ Jesus.”

Peace and serenity, said Father Philippe, is not found in
physical comfort. He said while traveling on an airplane he
read a magazine article on finding inner peace at a health
spa.

“It was a price of $15,000 for peace and serenity,” he said.

Real peace can be achieved only through deep spiritual means,
he said.

Inner peace is important because when your heart is at peace,
the more good you can do. He compared a serene heart to a
calm lake on a clear day. The water reflects the sun. But if
the lake water is agitated the sun’s reflection is distorted.

“If a heart is troubled or worried,” he said, “God cannot use
it in the same way. Don’t be troubled. Trust in God.”

When our hearts are in turmoil we view a reality that is not
true. When we are at peace, we make good life decisions.

Father Philippe said there are five ways to achieve inner
peace: faith, prayer, the sacraments, Mass and Scripture.

At the conclusion of his talk, he asked everyone to place a
hand on the shoulder of the person next to them. He asked the
Holy Spirit to come into the hearts of those in the church
and give peace.

The evening ended as it began with the singing of “Come, Holy
Spirit.”

Fred Richards, a parishioner of St. Timothy Church in
Chantilly, said the presentation was excellent.

“He gives you a formula for peace,” he said.

Father Philippe also spoke locally at St. John the Beloved
Church in McLean and Holy Trinity Church in Gainesville.

Find out more

frjacquesphilippe.com.

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