Testimony of faith. Revelation at the Sistine Chapel

By visiting Rome with Chloé, my older sister, in the summer of 2022, our journey leads us to the Sistine Chapel. In this place covered with frescoes, my wonder quickly makes room for another powerful and soft feeling. Peace, an unexpected well-being seize me. My perception of the crowd fades, as if I was alone. I want to hold back my tears: why cry without reason? But I cry, and still cry … Chloé, in front of me, turn around: “Why are you crying?” Stay for a while, if you want, I’m waiting for you at the exit. I have nothing to answer. Reluctantly, I join her without dating too much. One or two days later, our program finished, my sister offered to revisit a monument. I choose the Sistine Chapel. “You don’t replerate, huh?” “Worries Chloé. Pain lost. The emotion grabs me from the entrance. We win the benches against the walls to look comfortably … and I cry. “We stay the time you want,” says Chloé, considerate. I don’t know what to do with this emotion. The next day, I take advantage of being alone for a few minutes to buy a rosary. I have no religious education, but certainly, this object makes sense for Christians.

Back in France, I leave this aside. A year later, I go to Lisbon (Portugal) with a Muslim girlfriend. I absolutely want to visit the monumental statue of Christ, on the model of that of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). At the foot of the statue, placed on a base over 80 m high, I feel good. Moved, I remember my tears, but I now know that I cannot stop there. Questions concern me: where is my place? What will my family say if I am interested in religion? Go to the baptism? I buy a bible. *

In the fall of 2023, my internet research made me know Christian prayers: our Father, I believe in God, I greet Mary. In January 2024, I pray to the rosary every night. In February, I meet the catechumenate manager. For her, my story to visit the Sistine Chapel is not doubtful: “Jesus called you. Finally an explanation! My life has changed a lot: more confident, I know that I am not alone. I pray morning and evening and get back to Jesus. I will be baptized on April 19, 2025.