Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

The Catholic Diocese of Lincoln will hold its final One Book + One Diocese book discussion event of 2025 on Friday, November 21, from 6 to 7 p.m. The event will take place at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Newman Center on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus.

This session will focus on Father Jacques Philippe’s book “Interior Freedom.” Father Ryan Kaup, who serves as pastor of the Newman Center, will lead the reflection and answer questions about the book during the event. The discussion will also be available via livestream.

“Interior Freedom” explores the idea that personal freedom comes from God and cannot be taken away by external circumstances. The book suggests that growing in faith, hope, and love helps cultivate this inner freedom.

Father Kaup commented on the message of “Interior Freedom,” stating: “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 members of the diocese to read four books by Father Philippe during this Jubilee Year to deepen their Catholic faith. Previous discussions have included his works “Time for God,” “Searching for and Maintaining Peace,” and “Fire & Light.”

Father Philippe belongs to the Community of the Beatitudes in France. His books have sold over one million copies worldwide and are available 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.”

The event is open to everyone regardless of whether they have read "Interior Freedom." Organizers note that those who have not read it may still benefit from attending by gaining a framework for deeper faith when reading later.

Copies of "Interior Freedom" and other titles discussed through One Book + One Diocese can be purchased at Gloria Deo bookstore in Lincoln.