I come from St Germain-en-Laye and am the fourth child of a family of five. I was brought up in a practising, united and loving catholic family. The activities I was most passionate about were scouting and sport, especially sailing in Britanny. I grew up peacefully, without any major worries or questions, supported as I was by some good tutors : my family, friends and the scout movement. However, my faith, received simply as part of my education among other subjects, was superficial.

Aged 21, I went abroad for three years to finish my studies and to work. This time abroad, far from my dear ones, proved to be an unsettling and very difficult experience which led me to become  more mature, both on a personal and spiritual level. God used this situation as a springboard.

Back in France, an inspired word, a providential meeting with a priest, my involvement with handicaped children … paved the way to my returning to God. Finally, the most important event was a retreat I participated in with the Community of the Beatitudes.

During those few days I experienced a « turn around », an inner upheaval which is called a conversion. What seemed to me until then neither possible nor desirable became for me a way of life and happiness. I received a calling to the priesthood, loud and clear, at the Community of the Beatitudes. I left Paris in order to live one then two years in the Community. Everything was clear to me :  that is where I was to be, for God found me again and called me there. I have been in the Community for sixteen years and a priest for six years.

From the day I peacefully accepted my calling I am aware that my happiness depends on my total surrender to God.

The intuition I received during that short retreat, a long time ago now, is confirmed at every moment : God is faithful and a source of deep joy.

When God call, it’s for life !

Brother Olivier-Marie

We got married in 1993 and have three children.  We are Belgian nationals, of flemish origin and live in Flanders (Belgium).

We met the Community as « tourists » while visiting the Abbey of  Saint-Martin-du-Canigou. We were immediately struck by the joy, the beauty of the liturgy and the communion of all states of life.

In our spiritual quest we had been searching for quite a while ! And it is in the Community that we truly met Christ ! Whaoo ! What a change in our life. We discovered a diversity, both in prayer and in spirituality : Byzantine Vespers, entry into the Shabbat, Israeli dances, Charismatic Renewal, Carmelite spirituality. The international dimension of the Community broadened our vision of the world tremendously..

What we like in the Community is this equilibrium between a contemplative life and an active mission orientated outreach. It is expressed both through inner quiet prayer, adoration before the Blessed Sacrament and through praise and charismatic prayer.

What lovely unity !

Bart and Veerle

I’m Austrian and have been in the Community of the Beatitudes for 22 years. Before following the Lord’s calling I was a law student intending to train as a diplomate. The Lord made good use of my attraction for different countries and cultures by calling me as His ambassador to… Peru, to proclaim His love as a missionary.

How did it come about ? My path toward consecrated life started with a Mass celebrated by the Community of the Beatitudes in Lisieux. Touched by the beauty of the liturgy, by the joy of its consecrated members singing and dancing before God, I immediately knew that Jesus was inviting me to join in that joy.

A consecrated sister gave me a booklet on the Community’s mission in Peru. It must be said that I had been looking for quite some time for a location to experience a missionary activity. That is when my adventure with Jesus started.

After working as a « volunteer » I decided to join the Community in Peru. Having worked on several evangelization projects in different countries, I am now back in Peru. I can only admire God’s faithfulness, His love for me which sustains me and the joy of having given my life to Jesus.

I can see every day the marvels God achieves in the lives of the poor who cry out to Him. Jesus is present : He consoles the afflicted, He strengthens the weak, He heals the broken-hearted, where there is despondency He gives hope. My joy is to be His little instrument, a witness of His mercy and of the joy experienced when giving one’s life to Jesus !

Sr Eva of Jésus