Lemaitre survives the first chlorine gas attack of WWI then is ordained into the priesthood. He moves to America to study physics at M.I.T where he meets friend and coworker for life, Manuel Vallarta. Together,they realize the universe is not static, as was universally believed, but continually expanding. Lemaitre sets out to gain Einstein's approval of his theory of the beginning of time while always trying to keep science and religion separate. The love of a woman destroys the frindship and when Lemaitre has finally gained worldwide acclaim, he has no one to share it with. Alone and unfullfilled, Lemaitre's theory is universally acceppted, his drive for recognition is destroyed. Special interest groups try to twist his theory for they benefit, but he wants only to live out his days in peace. When the Pope cites the Big Bang Theory as a proof of God's Existence, Lemaitre stands up to the religious establishment and is finally able to separate his religious conviction and scientific knowledge.