Brother Paulus Terwitte: This is why a keynote delivered by a monk is worthwhile

We summarize briefly: Brother Paulus Terwitte is a Capuchin monk and thus Catholic. He wears a brown monk’s robe for most of his life and spent 24 years in Frankfurt am Main, as a priest in the Liebfrauen monastery there.

He is also a pastor, street worker, journalist, author, speaker, moderator, and perennially popular guest on talk shows. Because he has something to say that goes far beyond the church, Catholicism or strict religiosity.

Brother Paulus Terwitte embodies a different type of monk, one who knows how to bring the message to the streets so that it is heard.

At this point a short excursion into the world of the Capuchins.

Their mission statement, as it is called like this on their website, says the following:

“The Capuchins are a worldwide religious community in the tradition and spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. Our life and rule are the Gospel of Jesus. We advocate for a more just world, for the poor and needy, for dialogue with other religions, and for peace. We want to treat creation responsibly. We are convinced that the Christian faith gives meaning and support. The Capuchins work for a credible, fraternal and sustainable church. On this path, respectful and appreciative interaction with one another, hospitality, mercy, humility and, last but not least, humor are especially important to us.”

Anyone who has met Brother Paul knows that he embodies the mission of his order, both in terms of respect and appreciation for all people, as well as his humorous manner, which surprises many a time. Brother Paul is simply genuine. One look into his alert eyes says it all.

The native of Westphalia in Münsterland, Germany, breaks down his personal message to this simple formula:

Brother Paul Terwitte: “Your future is today.”

That’s strong, has power and has an immediate effect.

The message works because people pause, because the brain doesn’t get it right away, can’t categorize it. How? Surely that is not the definition of the future?

Brother Paul Terwitte explains it like this. Now this is important. He states:

“The future doesn’t come cheap. You have to do something for it.”

By that he means becoming aware of yourself, with all your strengths and weaknesses. He speaks of “a real willingness to make something of it.”

Today, so many people look to advice books and podcasts or courses for answers to questions they have about their own lives. Brother Paul says to this:

“You know best yourself what is right for you. No one else can know.”

Simplistic? Perhaps. But if things were that simple, the many coaches out there would be out of a job. But they aren’t.

In a way, Brother Paul is also a coach. Just one who fulfills his task out of true, pure charity. He wants to help people because that is his calling.

“Today is the day when everything can be different!”

Or: “Life is too short to be unhappy for long.”

Brother Paul appeals to each individual of us to set out and act. Even with the risk of being imperfect. Those who courageously live their lives “will experience their future today, and not only advance themselves, but also inspire others to take their happiness into their own hands.”

For sure, it is an experience, especially for otherwise hard-nosed business people, to experience someone like Brother Paul as a key note speaker. It may take a little courage to invite a monk. But that is precisely the charm: Brother Paul is a monk who stands in the middle of the world.

In his impulse lectures, dinner speeches or workshops, he dispels the cliché that monks and nuns are funless, inhibited and out of touch with life. He talks about ethics and values, about liveliness, the pros and cons of reverence, creative pauses, and how it becomes possible to go through life more unencumbered.

“When life really gets going, it becomes an adventure that you didn’t book that way.”

That’s a quote from Brother Paul. We’ll end with that. Think about it.