Fr. Don’s Weekly Letter ~ 15 February 2026

Dear Good People of Saint Bernadette,

As I write this I have just returned from attending the monks’ Walk for Peace program this afternoon at National Cathedral. I represented Bishop Burbidge at their arrival last evening at Marymount University in Arlington. 2,300 miles and today the 108th day in their journey, the lead monk who gave the talks, Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra, never imagined this kind of outcome. Along roadways lined with cheering crowds, hand-made signs, and police escorts guiding the way, the Walk for Peace transformed from a modest journey launched in Fort Worth, Texas, into a movement followed by millions of people across the country who greeted them with great affection and gratitude.

His message was remarkably simple. That peace isn’t something that comes from outside of you. But the reality of today’s world with its endless distractions which constantly confront us and cause our “monkey minds” to jump here and there makes the possibility of inner peace more difficult than it ever was. Peace must come from within; it is work, it is practice. “You cannot wait for peace to walk to you. You must walk it.”

He gave a beautiful, simple teaching on the practice of mindfulness. This is not Buddhist ritual or meditation. It is our ability to truly focus on the thing at hand. He asked everyone to place their hands over their heart and find the heartbeat. Focus on it. Enter into it and realize that it is your core. In that heart is everything in the past, and the present moment. Consider it mindfully, and you will know yourself better and not be jumping from one impulse to another. You will find peace. But with smartphones today, he said, this is nearly impossible.

When you wake up in the morning, he said, do not look at your phone. Go about your normal morning routine. DO NOT look at your phone. Look into the mirror. Wipe the mirror clean - even if it is already - and leave the past in the past. Take a piece of paper and a pen and write, “Today will be my peaceful day.” Write it again. Read it out loud. Again. The tangible writing, seeing, hearing, speaking of it will reset your day and help you to be mindful of yourself and not be blown around so easily by developments. This is where you find peace.

He said that he practiced mindfulness, aware of every breath, every step along the roads from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, DC. Their intention was to bring this witness of true peace. The suffering, struggle, injury, sacrifice that these monks have made is a testimony that such challenges in life do not have to steal your peace. But if they do, you can reset tomorrow.

I watched with fascination as thousands of people, all religions, from all cutures, celebrated the presence of these monks. What were they looking for? That kind of deep peace that so many people are being successful in stealing from us on a daily basis. Not only in this country but in the whole world. It is up to you, he said, whether you let it affect you or not.

The Lord be with you,