Summary
Alexis Carrel, a Nobel Prize-winning French physician and surgeon born in Lione in 1873, initially embraced positivistic philosophy during his university studies. However, he struggled with the materialist view’s inability to address fundamental questions about life and death. In 1902, driven by curiosity and an opportunity presented by a colleague who had previously canceled their trip, Carrel participated in a pilgrimage to Lourdes as a doctor. During this journey, he encountered Marie Ferrand (who later revealed her name as Marie Bailly), a severely ill pregnant woman with a swollen abdomen. After witnessing miraculous occurrences during the pilgrimage, including the healing of another patient whose faith was attributed to Lourdes’ miracles, Carrel was personally converted by these experiences. His conversion reinforced his belief in the power of prayer and the potential for divine intervention, marking a significant shift in his religious perspective.
Key Topics
Alexis Carrel, Lourdes, Conversion
