Church of Our Lady of Paris is the site of Abraham’s baptism, the decisive ritual moment in his conversion. The narrative gives the church a focused role: after Abraham resolves to become a Christian, Jehannot de Chevigné brings him there, and the clergy baptize him at his own request.

Setting and Function

The church appears in the story of Abraham and Jehannot de Chevigné as a place of religious initiation. Its importance lies not in a description of its appearance or its wider history, but in the action carried out there: Abraham’s change of faith is formally recognized through baptism.

Abraham’s Baptism

Abraham reaches this moment after visiting Rome and observing the conduct of the pope, cardinals, and other churchmen. He condemns their worldly behavior, yet reasons that Christianity’s continued growth despite such leadership shows that the faith has a divine foundation. Having made up his mind, he asks Jehannot to take him to a church for baptism. Jehannot, who had expected the opposite conclusion, gladly accompanies him to Church of Our Lady of Paris and asks the clergy to perform the rite.

The clergy proceed when they learn that Abraham himself has requested baptism. Jehannot raises him from the sacred font as his sponsor and names him Giovanni. The church is thus the setting not only for the rite but also for the completion of Jehannot’s role in Abraham’s conversion: he brings his friend to the clergy and stands beside him as he enters the Christian community.

Narrative Significance

The scene places institutional ritual after Abraham’s independent judgment. His decision follows a sharp criticism of the churchmen he encountered in Rome, but he distinguishes their conduct from the faith they profess: Christianity’s persistence becomes, for him, evidence of its truth. At Church of Our Lady of Paris, that conclusion takes a public and sacramental form. Afterward, Jehannot arranges for learned men to instruct Giovanni in Christian doctrine, which he quickly understands; the baptism begins a new religious life described as devout and worthy.