By the Grace of God (2019) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Although the legal window for prosecuting Father Preynat has closed, Alexandre is compelled by psychological anguish rather than legal hope. The conversation with his former scouting companion triggers suppressed traumatic memories, and his Catholic faith drives him to seek truth and accountability even without the possibility of criminal punishment. He wants the Church to acknowledge what happened and prevent future abuse.

• statute of limitations
• justice
• trauma
• priest abuse

During his meeting with Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, Alexandre learns that the Church had received multiple warnings from concerned parents about Father Preynat's behavior but chose to conceal the misconduct rather than take action. This revelation shocks him and strengthens his determination to expose the truth publicly.

• Cardinal Barbarin
• cover up
• Church
• parents warnings

At the press conference pressured by victims and the public, Cardinal Barbarin makes the tactless remark that the abuse incidents are 'thank God prescribed' - meaning he is relieved that the statute of limitations has expired. This insensitive statement shocks and infuriates the victims, exemplifying the Church's dismissive attitude toward their suffering.

• Cardinal Barbarin
• press conference
• statute of limitations
• insensitive remark

La Parole Libérée (meaning 'The Word Released') is an association founded by François, an atheist victim who decides to testify publicly about his abuse. Alexandre meets François through Captain Courtecau, who is investigating other victims whose claims haven't exceeded the legal timeframe. The association provides a support network for victims to share their stories and pursue justice collectively.

• La Parole Libérée
• François
• association
• victims support

Régine Maire arranges a confrontation between Alexandre and Father Preynat, hoping to provide closure. The meeting becomes an emotionally surreal moment where they actually pray together, highlighting the complex psychological struggle Alexandre faces - torn between his traumatic memories and his Christian faith. This encounter illustrates how the victims' relationships with their faith remain deeply tangled even after confronting their abuser.

• Father Preynat
• confrontation
• prayer
• Régine Maire
• emotional struggle

Alexandre meets François after deciding to file his own complaint against Father Preynat. Captain Courteau, who is investigating the case, connects Alexandre with François - an atheist who is ready to publicly testify. Later, more victims including surgeon Gilles and emotionally scarred Emmanuel join their cause through the growing association La Parole Libérée.

• François
• Captain Courteau
• Gilles
• Emmanuel
• victims

Father Preynat is finally indicted after sustained pressure from the victims' association. During the legal proceedings, Preynat openly admits to the abuse charges, providing a rare moment of accountability. This indictment represents a significant victory for the victims, though the process has taken an immense personal toll on them.

• Father Preynat
• indictment
• admission of guilt
• legal outcome

Throughout his pursuit of justice, Alexandre grapples intensely with his Christian faith. The realization that a priest - someone representing God - could commit such crimes, combined with the Church's institutional cover-up, leaves him questioning the foundations of his beliefs. By the end, he is left pondering what it truly means to be a Christian after such trauma, representing a profound spiritual crisis.

• faith
• Christianity
• spiritual crisis
• Catholic Church
• beliefs

Despite Alexandre's persistent emails and inquiries to ecclesiastical authorities, the Church repeatedly defers taking any meaningful action. When Alexandre unexpectedly sees Father Preynat still ministering at mass and interacting with young parishioners, it becomes clear the Church prioritizes protecting its reputation over protecting children. This institutional obstruction drives Alexandre to pursue public accountability rather than internal Church resolution.

• Church delay
• obstruction
• Father Preynat ministry
• institutional protection

More victims join the association after seeing Alexandre and François take initial action. Surgeon Gilles and the emotionally scarred Emmanuel are among those who find courage in collective action. Their shared suffering creates a powerful support network, and they collectively pursue legal accountability not only for personal justice but to prevent future abuse and challenge the systemic power of the Catholic hierarchy.

• Gilles
• Emmanuel
• collective action
• victims unity
• systemic change

François, an atheist, is nevertheless deeply affected by his abuse and chooses to publicly testify and help establish La Parole Libérée. His motivation stems from a desire to break the silence that shielded his abuser and to support other victims in coming forward. Unlike Alexandre's religious-driven quest, François's motivation appears rooted in secular justice and preventing future harm to other children.

• François
• atheist
• public testimony
• breaking silence
• prevention