"Jesus has come into my heart and my life has changed"
Ten converts share their journey to Christ and His Church
In ten moving conversion stories recorded at the recent Rite of Election at St George’s Cathedral, a life-changing encounter with the Lord Jesus is at the heart of every journey. These testimonies reveal the transformative power of opening one's heart to Jesus and responding to His call.
This year, the Archdiocese of Southwark saw the highest number of converts for 15 years, with over 590 adults from 112 parishes across South London and Kent, formally declaring their desire to enter into full communion with the Church.
An Encounter with the Living Christ
The shared experiences of these "catechumens" (those seeking Baptism) and "candidates" (those already baptised in other traditions) reveal a diverse group of people united by a singular focus: a deepening relationship with Jesus Christ.
For many, the journey has been defined by a newfound interior stillness. Jade (Holy Family, Thanet), who will be received into the Church this Easter, says the process has transformed her home life:
"It’s really changed my life actually, in a lot of ways. I’m a lot more calm and peaceful. It’s changed the way I live my life and my son, who is 15, is being baptised and received as well. It has really changed our family life."
Jade
Others spoke of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist as the turning point. Zach (St Thomas', Sevenoaks) described witnessing a Corpus Christi procession as a "life-changing experience," noting that the process has made him "feel so much more strongly in favour of Christ".
Zach
Emma (Our Lady Help of Christians, Blackheath), a former agnostic, echoed this sentiment through her experience of Eucharistic Adoration:
"My relationship with Christ has grown deeper... I just feel at peace at adoration, it’s almost like Christ brings a wholeness that you’ve been searching for your whole life."
Emma
The data from this year’s Rite of Election highlights the increase in young people joining the Church, with 50% of converts aged 35 and under. However, the testimonies prove that the call of Christ knows no age limit. Colin, 78, (Holy Family, Thanet), who is preparing for Baptism, summed up his conversion beautifully:
"I’ve opened the door and Jesus has come into my heart and my life has changed."
Colin
Skyler (St Francis, Maidstone) noted that understanding the "meaning behind the traditions" led her closer to Christ.
Skyler
While Daniel (St John the Baptist, Purley), who grew up as a Baptist, shared: "If you open your heart and be open to what the truth is, it is undeniable that the Catholic faith is the true faith."
Daniel
For those returning to their roots or completing their initiation, the process is one of surrender. Ben (St Stephen’s, Welling) said:
"I read 'trust in the Lord with all your heart and in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your path right.' When I read that, I thought, you just have to let go and give it to Christ."
Ben
Ryan (St Stephen’s, Welling), who was baptised but is now taking the final step, had words of encouragement for others and said:
“If you are like me, who was raised Catholic and for some reason never got confirmed, do it!”
Naomi (Our Lady Help of Christians, Blackheath), who was raised Catholic but had not received the sacraments, said of Baptism that she knew “that it would bring me closer to God."
Naomi
Darren (Saint Matthias, Worcester Park), a school governor, described the "amazing journey" of the Come and See programme, which has sparked "interesting, exciting discussions" with his Catholic nieces.
Darren
Growth in the Archdiocese
The 2026 catechumens and candidates shows the impact of evangelisation across the Archdiocese, with converts coming from 112 parishes compared to 97 in the previous year. Of those being received, 57% are women and 43% are men. While the youth presence is strong, the Archdiocese also welcomes its oldest catechumen at 81 and oldest candidate at 88.
At the Rite of Election, Archbishop John Wilson spoke of how “joyful” he felt that people answered the call to Jesus. In a message to the catechumens and candidates he said:
“I hope today, within the context of your story and your journey, that powerfully, you know the Lord Jesus loves you”.
Please pray for Jade, Ben, Emma, Colin, Daniel, Noami, Zach, Skyler, Ryan and Darren - and all who hear Jesus calling them to His Church.
