The word “serenity” is only found once in the Catechism of the Catholic Church: in the section describing the effects of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, quoting the Council of Trent when it declared that a good confession “is usually followed by peace and serenity of conscience.” (CCC 1468) This may give the impression that serenity is not a foremost Catholic virtue, but the succinctness of the Catechism’s reference is actually proof of serenity’s importance. What is serenity? It is an attitude of calm, one that can only be identified when contrasted with turmoil. It is stillness in a storm. It is Christ, walking steadily across the raging waves. That the Catechism links it exclusively with reconciliation to God tells us all we need to know about this virtue. Where can we find calm in turmoil, stillness in storm? Where can we find serenity? There is only one place: the merciful embrace of God in His sacraments.
©LPi