Personal conversion still draws people to Christ, says papal preacher

Published: 2005-12-09

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- One would not know it from reading newspapers or even theological journals, but Jesus Christ continues to attract people and spur them to change their lives, said the preacher of the papal household. Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa, offering an Advent meditation Dec. 9 to Pope Benedict XVI and top Vatican officials, said personal conversion stories demonstrate that Jesus continues "to seize the hearts of people today with the same force that he seized (Sts.) John and Paul." The preacher shared with the pope the story of a Swiss artist and intellectual he knows from Milan, Italy. The man studied Buddhism and Hinduism and became a master, leading others in yoga and meditation. One day, while walking in the woods, the man started thinking about the words of Christ, "I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me." Overwhelmed with a realization that the words were true, he fell to the ground and fainted, Father Cantalamessa said. He now helps others grow in Christian faith and teaches them to pray the rosary.

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