In response to the “gnawing pain in my heart and soul about the meaning of life,” Australia’s former governor-general, Bill Hayden, a life-long atheist, was recently baptized at the age of 85. After living a  great deal of his life in denial of the Creator, the former politician renounced his atheism and joined the Catholic Church.

He said witnessing so many selfless acts of compassion by Christians over his lifetime as well as a season of reflection following a stroke — inspired his decision. According to The Catholic Leader, Hayden was baptized at St. Mary’s Church in Ipswich, near Brisbane, on Sept. 9. He said at the time, “This took too long, and now I am going to be devoted. From this day forward, I’m going to vouch for God.” READ MORE