In Normandy, this social media star priest wants to save lives with his book

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It's a little manual solar, playful and colorful published by Brother Benjamin, director of studies at the college of Giel Don Bosco (Orne), the November 20, 2024. The religious figure, made famous by social networks, addresses a painful and complex subject: youth unhappiness. In Hope is strength!he evokes without taboo suffering, depression, suicide… The opportunity to propose keys for young people to change their outlook on themselves. Interview.

A year after your first work, you published a decidedly different book on the suffering that some young people can feel. For what ?

Brother Benjamin. I have been working with young people (as an educator) for 25 years. In the years 2008-2015, I supported many adolescents in distress. Some suffered from drug addiction, others scarred themselves or had suicidal thoughts. I listened to them a lot, but we also exchanged a lot by email. Writing allows you to say essential, precise things. This manual is the fruit of all my correspondence with these suffering young people.

That's to say ?

FB I copied and pasted all my exchanges with these young people, including the advice I offered them. Some of these teenagers reread, revised, corrected and even enriched my work. I also carried out a qualitative survey to better understand what young people need to hear when they feel unwell. Professionals also participated, such as an association of psychologists, an SOS Amitié* trainer or a specialized educator.

What is your goal with this book?

FB Reach a large number of young people and save lives. It should be remembered that this manual may fall into the hands of someone with suicidal thoughts. I talk about a lot of touchy subjects, so you have to be careful. I have some responsibility with this manual. It is aimed at 12-30 year olds. Ultimately, I would like it to be available to young people in all CDIs (Documentation and Information Centers), at least in Catholic education.

You assume a deliberately non-academic style. For what ?

FB The style used is the same as that of my correspondence with young people. I try to join them on their field of expression. I'm talking simple, but straightforward. This spontaneous, very verbal side is my way of expressing myself. This is also felt in the different stories, illustrations and interviews which complete my testimony. I really want the reader to be able to step back and see things differently.

You are religious. However, in this work, you do not mention religion very much. For what ?

FB I’m speaking to everyone! Seeing me on social networks, you might imagine that I am the priest who only speaks to Catholics. In my book, I wear my educator hat. I have come to show that it is not enough to talk about God. You also have to help your neighbor. This shows another image of the priest. This book is serious.

*The SOS Amitié association, recognized as being of public utility for its action in suicide prevention, offers a free telephone hotline for listening help.

Brother Benjamin, Hope is strength: A short guide to finding the light when everything is going wrongArtège Le Sénevé, €12. Available on all platforms and at the La Curieuse d'Argentan bookstore.

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