In 1873, Abbé Victor Paysant (1841-1921) was appointed parish priest of Ménil-Gondouin, while the church had not yet been completed. Until 1921, Abbé Paysant decorated and furnished the church, which was nicknamed the "living and talking church". He was a man of faith, a friend of the poor, a tireless pilgrim, a curator of heritage, and very respectful of the past. His many travels inspired him to decorate his church, which became a Christian museum. It was inspired by churches and cathedrals covered with frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Christ. This priest wanted to explain the Catholic religion by the image, he wanted to transform his church into a living catechism