Southern Nebraska Register
The Catholic Diocese of Lincoln’s fourth and final One Book + One Diocese book discussion event of 2025 will be held Friday, Nov. 21, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Newman Center on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus.
The discussion will focus on Father Jacques Philippe’s book “Interior Freedom.” Father Ryan Kaup, pastor of the Newman Center, will reflect on the book and answer questions about it during the event. (Click for livestream of the discussion.)
In “Interior Freedom,” Father Philippe maintains no matter what is happening in one’s life, no one can take away the freedom within a person because it comes from God. The more a person grows in faith, hope and love, that freedom is cultivated.
Father Kaup said “Interior Freedom” encourages keeping one’s focus on the Lord.
“My key takeaway from ‘Interior Freedom’ is that the external circumstances around us cannot take away our deepest joy and peace, as long as we stay in communion with the Lord. So often we want the things around us to change, but what really needs transformation is our interior – our hearts, minds and souls,” said Father Kaup. “Father Philippe reminds us to seek the Holy Spirit in our daily lives, being particularly attentive to the places He calls us into deeper faith, hope and love. God’s voice always leads to an increase in these theological virtues and obtaining true interior freedom is as simple as staying with that which increases them in our souls.”
The One Book + One Diocese program has encouraged those in the diocese to read four of Father Philippe’s books to grow deeper in the Catholic faith during this Jubilee Year. In addition to “Interior Freedom,” other book discussions have featured his books “Time for God,” “Searching for and Maintaining Peace,” and “Fire & Light.”
Father Philippe is a member of the Community of the Beatitudes in France. His books have sold more than one million copies and are printed in 24 languages.
“Father Philippe is a master of communicating deep truths of the spiritual life in simple and accessible terms,” Father Kaup said. “His books are short and readable, yet they are so rich in practical spiritual theology that one has to pause often to soak in the words and allow them to take root in our soul. He strikes the perfect balance for our busy and distracted times.”
All are invited to the presentation, whether or not they have read the book. Those who have not read it may receive from the discussion the framework to grow deeper in faith when reading the book.
“Interior Freedom” and other books in the One Book + One Diocese discussion series are available to purchase from Gloria Deo in Lincoln.
