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