There is no age limit for receiving baptism. Antoinette Faure said when she asked to be baptized a year ago. She never left Grenoble, France, she lived in a small apartment in the south of the city. From a difficult adolescence due to conflicts with her parents, she was a believer even if she did not hold a religion. She told Aleteia newspaper : “When I was 15 years old, I started reading the Bible every day, reading the Bible softened my soul. My husband is like me, we don't go to mass, we met in 1968."
Last year, after meeting a group of young people at the Le Rocher Society , Antoinette realized she had never dared to ask for baptism. At that time, the young people introduced her to Father Marc Burtschell, the parish priest of Saint John XXIII and the Chaplain of the Society. “I asked him what he thought about it, I knew it was too late to be baptized because I was old, but he said it was okay,” she said.
The godmother is Ginette, the neighbor on the same floor
Then, the preparatory work began and faster than expected, Father Marc recounted: “This made me think, I see her very simple, have a strong faith, how many years have she gone without her? did not dare to ask, or no one realized that she wanted to be baptized. During her talk with me, she told me how the Bible had strengthened her family's marriage during their nearly fifty years of marriage. Every morning the husband and wife read a passage from the Bible to each other before going to work. Then I thought it would be more convenient to give her her first Communion at the same time.” Father Marc then spoke with Bishop Guy de Kerimel, Diocese of Grenoble and asked the Bishop to confirm Antoinette as well.
The baptism was delayed due to the pandemic, now in quarantine for the second time, finally Father Marc offered to have a small ceremony at her home and she immediately agreed, asking Mrs. Ginette, the neighbour. room next to godmother.
Father Marc Burtschell baptized Antoinette Faure in her living room, Friday, November 13.
Holding a candle, Antoinette was finally baptized on Friday, November 13, a ceremony attended by only Mrs. Ginette and one other friend. Father Marc said: “I was very moved when the old lady with a very large hump on her back bowed her head to receive baptism.” Ms. Antoinette added: “I feel very peaceful and at peace. It's been great for the past few days. Baptism brings me so much joy and helps me cope with sciatica and pain.” She concluded: “I have had a difficult life, but I am grateful for all that has happened. I always say thank God, but now I say even more now that I have been baptized. I can't walk anymore, I'm in so much pain, I need a stroller but I thank God for what He has always done for me."
Madame Antoinette received confirmation in her living room.
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