Former bodybuilder Bruno Toral recently shared his personal conversion story and how he went from being totally hostile to the faith (from literally having a "burn down the churches" mentality) and denying the existence of God to becoming a dedicated disciple of Christ.
The Spaniard, who now owns a gym, was featured in the "Rebeldes" ("Rebels") podcast, a show dedicated to sharing the Catholic faith and demonstrating that "living according to the Gospel is the greatest act of rebellion in today's society."
During the interview with Father Ignacio Amorós, Toral recounted the details of his conversion journey at the end of which he found the Catholic Church, the missing piece that gave meaning to a seemingly perfect life.
The emptiness of having 'everything'
Toral grew up in a deeply atheist environment, where success was measured by academic and professional achievements. Over time, he managed to achieve a successful career, thriving businesses, have an extraordinary wife, and two healthy children.
However, despite seemingly having it all, Toral confessed that he wasn't happy. He realized this especially when he noticed the vast difference between his level of happiness and that of his wife, Paloma.
While he lived a life of stoic but empty effort, she radiated a joy and peace that he couldn't attain. This "healthy envy" was the catalyst: Toral understood that his wife's faith was what he lacked, and he felt a vital impulse to ensure his children grew up near that same source of happiness.
For years, Toral defined himself as having a "burn down the churches" mentality and even went so far as to forbid any mention of God in his home. But the change came unexpectedly.
On a road trip with friends, he suddenly announced his decision to have his children baptized. "If we baptize the children, we have to live like Catholic parents; I don't do things halfway," he stated.
His definitive encounter with God occurred during a time of praise and worship. Before the Blessed Sacrament, the bodybuilder, who based his life on stoic effort and the rigors of the gym, was moved to tears by the real happiness of the Christian community.
Toral shared that faith has softened his character, giving him a patience he previously lacked with his family and employees, and going from relying solely on his own strength to resting in God's providence.
"The person I admire most, by far, is Jesus Christ," Toral said, emphasizing that his biggest challenge now is not to lift more weight but to be the person God wants him to be.
This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
