Monsignor Charles Pope on Serenity

"In Lent, a gift to seek is greater serenity. The word comes from the Latin serenus, meaning clear or unclouded (skies). By extension it thus means calm, without storm. Serenity has become more used in modern times with the advent of many 12-Step programs which use the serenity prayer as an important help to their work. Perhaps the closest Greek word to serenity is γαλήνη (galene) and it is used most specifically when Jesus stood in the boat, rebuked the storm and there was a great calm, a serenity (cf Matt 8:26). In this sense we can see how true serenity must come as a gift from God. For the storms of life can overwhelm and overpower us. So we need to seek serenity from God and receive it from him."

In a recent reflection, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC), writes about serenity and how we can have more of it in our lives.

To access Msgr. Pope's complete post, please visit:

Msgr. Charles Pope: On Seeking Greater Serenity