Testimony of faith. A shock deep inside me

That evening, I told my parents that I was going to the village church to practice on the organ. It was December 24, it was 10 p.m., and I had to accompany the midnight mass service. But when I got there, instead of playing, I sat on the rood screen* and started to pray. At the time, I was 17, preparing to leave secondary education and had decisions to make about my next career path. I felt within myself a calling to become a priest, induced by my experience as an altar server, my participation in a focus group on faith at my institution and family influence. However, I was in deep questioning, sensing that the choice I made would have a definitive value, that it would guide my entire life, including in its emotional dimension. So I prayed intensely to the Lord to know if He expected me to become a priest.

In the silence of this very old building prepared for Christmas mass, gently lit by a few small lamps, I was suddenly filled with immense emotion. Joy and peace flooded my entire being in a vivid inner light. It was like a shock to the depths of me, as if God was saying to me: “Yes, go ahead, I’m calling you! » However, I did not feel intimidated but, on the contrary, freed from a burden and encouraged. In the end, I didn’t rehearse at the organ at all before the service, but I had just experienced two extraordinary hours. A founding moment from which I returned to draw energy in the more difficult periods that I had to go through during my years of exercise.

Of course, and fortunately, everything was not contained in this first click. My conception of faith continues to evolve and other events are added throughout my experience. For example, I remember a sermon heard within the Sant’Egidio community in Rome, on how Jesus opens the eyes of the blind and raises the crippled to their feet. It was another strong moment, which allowed me to root my resolve in serving the poorest and gave it a community dimension. My commitment was thus able to develop beyond the fervor of a moment. This is essential for my ministry, including as Bishop of Liège today.

* Tribune separating the choir from the nave, in certain churches.