The extraordinary journey of Francois Celier began amidst the turmoil of World War II and continues to this day. He has weathered trials that would daunt even the strongest among us, yet has not lost his optimism and zest for life. Moreover, in his global pilgrimages, Francois Celier has reached out to the poorest and most downtrodden, embracing them and whispering words of hope to the heavens.
In much the same vein, he has conversed with heads of states, ministers, ambassadors, kings, nobles, billionaires, and scholars.
During this time, the pastor has traversed over 100 countries, authored 20 books, and produced 4 films.
Exclusive interview with Francois Celier for Elledgy Magazine!
Tell us about your childhood.
It was that of a survivor, from 1939 to 1947, until the horrific death (before my eyes) of my little brother Jean. We were survivors, experiencing constant hunger, bombings, nightly escapes into the woods, hiding in places of resistance fighters, dangerous ruins, and the pursuit of Nazi soldiers.
Did you already know at that time what you would dedicate your life to?
No. I was like a wary animal trying not to be killed. To educate myself, I gathered bits and pieces here and there in the rare village schools we passed through. My frail little mother was a servant or a barmaid. A survivor of the Spanish Civil War, she could hardly take care of me. A solitary autodidact, I read any book within reach, always with an eye on an opportunity to eat.
How would you describe your philosophy of life in one sentence?
As a child? The feeling of being a straw blown here and there. Of being nothing but a scrawny, wandering thing, invisible to anyone. At 85, with a life full of adventures, it’s fantastic! I’m bursting with joy, happiness, and a desire to dance!
What gave you an understanding of the necessity of a quest for meaning or pilgrimage?
The weight of hostility, the proximity of death, extreme poverty. These evils surrounded my childhood. I knew that egocentrism and baseness were commonplace. As for your question about a ‘pilgrimage,’ that idea would have triggered a tremendous burst of laughter from me! Come on? God was nothing but a phantasmagorical illusion, almost pitiful, considering my journey.
However, I was not to endorse the society that wanted to engulf me. After 28 months of war in Algeria (commando), I became a rebel poet, then a recognized writer of 20 books, author of 4 films, 3 theater plays performed, and a long-term lecturer worldwide. Numerous honorary distinctions and literary and humanitarian awards.
Which countries have you visited, and what was the most memorable experience during these travels?
Having lived a thousand adventurous tales in nearly 100 countries, experiencing various cultures, histories, and ways of life, sometimes observing with admiration the nature of people. Although I am not Jewish, it was the reconquest, relevance, and courage of the Israelis that struck me. Surely, the three-millennium-old Hebrew people are unique for having overcome the visceral, subtle, or violent hatred of empires and nations. Israel is the uncomfortable witness to the existence of God… The former unbeliever that I was is amazed by the Jewish and universalist personality of Jesus. My greatest pride is to boldly declare that I have been his disciple for 53 years.
What impressed you about the people you met during these travels?
I reached out to the poorest and most miserable, embracing them and whispering words of hope in God’s ear. Likewise, I conversed with heads of state, ministers, ambassadors, kings, nobles, billionaires, and scholars. To all, I spoke powerfully of the Holy Spirit for the salvation of their souls and the neglected or tyrannized citizens. My words carry the weight of the truth of my own sufferings: hunger, loneliness, tears, dangers, and assassination attempts.
How did you start your humanitarian work?
From my conversion in 1972, body, soul, spirit, and a call from Jesus, as I threw myself prostrate before a wooden Cross, with sobs, shouts of joy, and uncontrollable tears, in front of 500 people.
Why do you think the world still needs salvation?
At present, the world is like the time of Noah: Babylonian immorality, reign of lies, confusion of minds, rejection of God. Unfortunately, taught in schools; the omnipotence of religious systems, proliferation of conflicts, devil’s churches, the inversion of Good into Evil.
Tell us about your books. How did you manage to reconcile your work and writing?
Writing is laborious. It involves weaving words and concepts to convey the creativity of our imagination. However, it requires stimulating one’s intellect and translating thoughts onto paper. The same applies to speaking. It demands opening one’s mouth, uncertain of what will emerge… (thus invoking suspense and active faith), allowing the words that weigh on your heart to flow forth, while challenging the intellect, which has been conditioned since childhood… by the toxin of appearing intelligent.
You are currently working on a film. Can you tell us more about it, what is it about?
I was touched by the excellent “Sound of Freedom.” However, for years I had been preparing an “Army of the Righteous” to “rescue the last generation of children” who must precede the Third World War (read the birth of Jesus and Moses in Egypt). Nowadays, a multitude of children (millions in nations) are kidnapped and sexually exploited; others are trained to kill as child soldiers, or are slaves in mines, or sold to pedophiles (by incestuous parents).
What are your goals and hopes for the future, given your active lifestyle?
I’ve recently completed the screenplay titled “The Innocents of the Apocalypse.” My hope is that this work will resonate with readers who wish to join the fight to save children. It’s a daily prayer of mine, one you’re welcome to join.
How do you define your personal and spiritual legacy, and how would you like it to be remembered?
My personal and spiritual legacy is one of resilience, compassion, and unwavering faith. I hope to be remembered as someone who faced adversity with courage, who reached out to the marginalized and oppressed, and who passionately pursued justice and salvation for all. Above all, I wish to be remembered as a devoted disciple of Jesus, whose love and teachings guided every aspect of my life and work.
