5 new priests!

On Friday 15 May, at Évry Cathedral, five brothers from the Chemin Neuf Community were ordained as priests by Bishop Éric de Moulins-Beaufort.

Who are they?

Charles-Étienne Lepitre

What did you do before joining the community?

I have completed my engineering degree, specialising in production and logistics within the aerospace industry.

What recharges your batteries?

Going for walks in the countryside or in the mountains, reading a good book, and having a great time playing sports with my brothers and sisters.

Why do you want to become a priest now?

I am answering Christ’s call and I have a deep desire to make him known and to tell the world: “It’s true, he really does exist! He is the one you are looking for, the one who will bring you true happiness!”

I feel in my heart a desire to be a priest and to lead people, as best I can, through the sacraments, the Word and the gift of myself, to Christ who saves us. So many people are unfamiliar with him or know him so little; they seek him, consciously or unconsciously, because they thirst for light and true life!

A verse from the Bible?

‘What we proclaim is not ourselves, but this: Jesus Christ is Lord; and we are your servants for Jesus’ sake.
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, which shines on the face of Christ.
But we carry this treasure in earthen vessels”

2 Corinthians 4:5–7

Rémi Charpigny

What did you do before joining the community?

A widower, father of four children and grandfather of nine grandchildren, I could have enjoyed a peaceful retirement by the sea, serving the Lord in the same way I had served alongside my wife. But answering God’s call gives me the certainty that I am in the right place, that I am happy there, and also the assurance that my children will receive His grace.

What recharges your batteries?

Spending quality time with my children, exercising regularly, going for walks in the countryside, and picking mushrooms.

Why do you want to become a priest now?

Because this is the place to which the Lord has called me, and so it is the place where I am assured that my life will bear fruit, whilst remaining aware that this fruitfulness is beyond my control, for it belongs to God.


Was there a key moment when you realised that God was calling you?

My wife passed away peacefully after the suffering she had been enduring came to an end. She slipped away very gently, like a little candle. At midnight, three and a half hours after her death, I was in the shower and heard the following words: ‘You are going to become a priest. ” Such a word is heard not only through the ears, but, I would say, through every pore of my skin. It is impossible to forget a word revealed in this way.

Timothée Tillard

What did you do before joining the community?

I studied carpentry for three years. I graduated in 2012, just before starting my training at Hautecombe Abbey. I then joined the community.

What recharges your batteries?

Community life, music and silence in the mountains!

Why do you want to become a priest now?

Firstly, because the Lord has called me to this. I am convinced that it is through obedience to His voice that my calling has become clearer in my life and that it will stand firm.

Secondly, because I would like to make the Father’s face of mercy and love more visible in this world.

“Whoever has seen me has seen the Father”

John 14:9

The priest is the face of Jesus on earth, through the sacraments, but also through his whole life. At least, he strives to be so. I hope to be that face for those I will serve in my priesthood. To make more visible the presence of Jesus, who Himself sought to make visible the face of His Father.

A verse from the Bible?

2 Timothy 4:17.

“But the Lord has helped me. He has given me strength so that, through me, the proclamation of the Gospel might be fulfilled to the very end and that all nations might hear it. I have been snatched from the lion’s mouth”

Emmanuel de Langle

What did you do before joining the community?

I was working as a cybersecurity consultant in the defence sector at WaveStone. I was living in Levallois-Perret, where I got to know the local community.

What recharges your batteries?

  • Running
  • Theology (yes, I do enjoy taking online courses during my holidays)
  • Having a drink with the lads (that’s an absolute must)

Why do you want to become a priest now?

It brings me such joy and a real sense of purpose to proclaim Christ, especially to young people today!

I love pastoral work and I wish to respond to Christ’s call, which invites me to proclaim him also through the celebration of the sacraments, so that he may give himself to humanity and pour out his mercy.

A verse from the Bible?

“Take me with you, let’s run”.

Song of Songs 1:4

This verse reminds me that I can do nothing without the Lord, and that it is He who draws me to Himself and grants me His grace so that I may follow Him… and what a journey it is: the Song traces the soul’s path towards union with Christ the Bridegroom!

Nicolas Rhoné

What did you do before joining the community?

I was studying at the École Polytechnique, doing a research master’s degree in fundamental physics.

What recharges your batteries?

Hiking in the Swiss mountains and spending the night under the stars, photographing nebulae and galaxies.

Why do you want to become a priest now?

To serve the Church and proclaim God’s mercy to everyone!

Was there a key moment when you realised that God was calling you?

At my baptism in the Holy Spirit at Hautecombe Abbey in 2006.

A verse from the Bible?

“God is rich in mercy; because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our sins, he brought us to life with Christ: it is by grace that you have been saved.”

Ephesians 2:4–5