CHRISTIANITY IN EUROPE, THANKS TO A LAY WOMAN

"13 and on the sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. 14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to give heed to what was said by Paul. 15 And when she was baptized, with her household, she besought us, saying, 'If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.' And she prevailed upon us." (Acts 16:13-15)

It is worth reflecting on the fact that Christianity began in Europe through this lady's response to God's calling. Lydia set about her mission to Christianise the whole world from within, starting with her own family.

--Commentary of the Navarre Bible