Chapter VIII: The Miraculous Medal and the War

The wars which have taken place since the year 1854, the epoch of the definition of the Immaculate Conception, have presented a spectacle to which the world was unaccustomed. Not only were _priests_ called upon to administer to the spiritual necessities of the soldiers in camps and ambulances, but _Sisters_ also were charged with the care of the sick and wounded. The priest's cassock and the robe of the religious, became almost as familiar to the eye as the military costume itself! Sisters of Charity accompanied the armies in the wars of the East, in 1854; in Italy, in 1859; in the United States, in 1861; in Mexico, in 1864; in Austria and Prussia, in 1866; in France and Germany, in 1870; and we find them ministering to the Russian army and also the Turkish ambulance in 1877. For them no enemies existed; the camps of both belligerents claimed their attention, they were equally devoted to all who needed their ministry of charity.

During the hardships and dangers of war, chaplains and Sisters could not fail to invoke the Blessed Virgin, and the Miraculous Medal naturally became the sign of the soldier's devotion and the pledge of our merciful Mother's protection, against the moral and physical dangers war brings in its train. The medal was profusely distributed; it was accepted and worn with confidence; even Protestants and Schismatics asking eagerly for it; officers as well as private soldiers attaching it to their uniforms when they set out for the combat; the sick employed it to obtain recovery, or at least, an alleviation of their sufferings; the dying kissed it with love; many attributed to it their preservation in battle, and a still greater number were indebted to it for their eternal salvation.

In proof of the above, we shall present some facts, selected from the thousands related in the correspondence of the missionaries and Sisters who followed the several armies.

WAR IN THE EAST, FROM 1854 to 1856.

"On the Feast of the Assumption, we shall have at Varna, a
beautiful religious ceremony, at which the whole army will
assist. I have brought from Constantinople a banner of the
Blessed Virgin; this we will set up, and confidently invoking
Mary, we know she will obtain the cessation of the cholera, and
success of our arms."[24]

[Footnote 24: Letter of Mr. Boré, Aug. 13, 1854.]

"The inmates of our hospital of Péra, at Constantinople, number
about twelve hundred, including sixty officers. These gentlemen
receive the Miraculous Medal with joy and gratitude. Endeavor
to find some good souls who will send us a large supply of
these pious objects."[25]

[Footnote 25: Letter of a Sister, September 29.]

* * * * *

"The three patients whose confessions I heard were poor
Irish. They manifested great resignation in their sufferings;
all three asked for, and gratefully received a medal of the
Immaculate Conception. An English officer (a Catholic), who
wore with pious confidence the medal of Mary, told me that
several of his colleagues, though Protestants, had accepted the
medal and preserved it respectfully, and that the cholera and
balls of the Russians had, so far, spared them."[26]

[Footnote 26: Letter of Mr. Boré, October 25.]

* * * * *

"Even amidst the turmoil of war, and in spite of the multitude
of sick and wounded, the Catholics of Constantinople celebrated
solemnly the definition of the dogma of the Immaculate
Conception. Mr. Boré wrote as follows, March 22d, 1835: 'The
_triduum_ of thanksgiving for the declaration and promulgation
of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception was fixed for the
Feast of Saint Joseph. We have endeavored to unite, in the
expression of our joy, with that of the faithful throughout the
Catholic world, and to imitate, to the best of our ability,
those magnificent and most consoling manifestations that have
taken place in France, who in this has shown a true love for
the Mother of God, a love already repaid by a new development
of national strength and vigor. The zeal and skill of our dear
Sisters in charge of the adjoining establishment have greatly
contributed to the splendor of the feast. The good taste
and experience of one of them suggested to her the idea of
substituting for the large picture over the main altar a figure
of the Immaculate Conception; the Blessed Virgin was crowned
with golden stars, her dress and drapery were rich and radiant
in a glory of gauze, the whole framed in lilies. The head,
borrowed from the portrait of a Circassian lady, and the golden
crescent under her feet, were happy indications, both in color
and emblem, of the events transpiring around us. A Catholic
Armenian lady lent a set of diamonds, which flashed back the
myriad flames of tapers and candles contained in candelabras,
hidden in the abundance of lilies. This illumination,
improvised by our pupils in imitation of those they knew would
take place throughout France, was indeed an honor to their
taste and piety.'"

* * * * *

"We sometimes meet with sick persons, who, through human
respect, ignorance, or indifference, are prevented from
receiving the succors of religion. We give them a medal of
the Immaculate Conception, and the Blessed Virgin charges
herself with their conversion. Nearly always, without any
other inducement, and, as it were, of themselves, they ask for
the priest and prepare to receive the Sacraments, manifesting
the most lively sorrow for having offended God and abused His
benefits. I could cite examples by thousands."

"Numbers of soldiers wear the Miraculous Medal, the scapular, a
reliquary, a cross, or sometimes not one but all of these, and
those who do not possess these articles are happy to receive
them. In a word, the army is, in a great measure, Catholic, and
knows how to pray."

"A soldier wounded in both legs at the battle of Alma, received
for more than two months, the unremitting attention of the
physicians and Sisters though without experiencing any relief.
Having despaired of saving his life otherwise, the surgeons
decided upon amputation. They began by the limb which was most
shattered. Next day the patient was in a hopeless condition;
there was no question of further amputation. Recourse was
then had to supernatural remedies; a novena was made to the
Immaculate Mary, and in a few days the patient showed signs of
improvement. He is now cured, and his piety and good example
are the admiration of his comrades."[27]

[Footnote 27: Report of Mr. Doumerq, 1855.]

* * * * *

"A patient who was brought in yesterday, refused to go to
confession. I placed under his pillow a medal of the Blessed
Virgin, and left him quiet, continuing to give him assiduous
care. This morning he called me, and in a resolute tone,
inquired if people here died like dogs. 'I am a Christian, and
I wish to confess.' 'Yesterday I proposed confession,' said
I, 'but you objected, and even sent the priest away.' 'It is
true,' he replied; 'but I am sorry for having done so; I wish
now to see him as soon as possible.' Since his confession
he is completely changed; and calmly awaits the approach of
death."[28]

[Footnote 28: Letter of a Sister, 1855.]

* * * * *

"Among the Russian prisoners brought to Constantinople after
the battle of Tchernaïa, many wore the medal of the Immaculate
Conception. By this I understood at once that they were
Catholics and Poles."[29]

[Footnote 29: Letter of Mr. Boré, August 25, 1855.]

"A young lieutenant in the eighty-fifth regiment, had been
wounded in the skull, and when brought to the hospital, his
throat was gangrened, and he could scarcely speak. A secret
sympathy attracted us towards each other, and he accepted
gratefully the services I rendered him. As he was evidently
sinking, I spoke to him of the Blessed Virgin, and alluded to
the medal he wore around his neck. He smiled, and replied by
pressing my hand. When his confession (during which he regained
his voice and strength) was finished, he said: 'Monsieur abbé,
I have a favor to ask of you.' 'What is it, my friend? tell
me; I am anxious to gratify you.' 'Be so kind,' said he, 'as
to inform Father Boré that I am here, and am very ill.' These
words pierced my heart; however, I was able to answer him:
'Father Boré is he who now speaks to you.' Raising his eyes
moistened with tears, and, again pressing my hand, he added:
'I am the brother-in-law of your dear friend, Mr. Taconet, and
also brother of the captain of zouaves, whom you assisted a
year ago at Varna.' I then recognized in him Mr. _Ferdinand
Lefaivre_; he had been recommended to me by a pressing letter
from Mr. Taconet, but this letter reached me only after my
young friend's death. Mr. Taconet wrote that, on the eleventh
of May, the lieutenant with his family had heard Mass at the
church of Notre Dame des Victoires, and that he did not doubt
but the Blessed Virgin would watch over a life so precious.
His hope was not misplaced, for the Blessed Virgin called him
to herself, fortified with the Sacraments, on the day of her
triumph."[30]

[Footnote 30: Letter of August 25, 1855.]

"While we were invoking our Immaculate Mother, on the eve of a
combat, in which one of our young soldiers was to take part for
the first (and perhaps last) time, he arose and went to Mary's
altar; kneeling an instant, he arose again, and hung around
the statue's neck a silver heart, in which were inscribed his
name and the names of his parents. I feel, as St Vincent has
forcibly expressed it, that he did not perform this act of
devotion without tearful eyes and a sobbing heart."[31]

[Footnote 31: Letter of Sister M----, 1855.]

* * * * *

"A serious fire had broken out in the city of Salonica. The
flames soon appeared opposite the Sisters' house, the buildings
on the other side of the street, a few yards distant, being
seized and devoured by the fire, which the wind continued to
fan into activity. Already the Sisters' roof and that of the
adjoining house were covered with dense smoke. I cast therein
several Miraculous Medals. There was no prospect of human
succor, as the rumor of there being powder in the vicinity had
caused every one to seek safety in flight. I also retired,
deeming it useless to expose myself longer; and besides, I was
obliged to go to the assistance of a poor man, who, partially
intoxicated, persisted in remaining near the fire. I returned
shortly after, expecting to see our houses in flames; I doubted
not but they would be wholly consumed. As I approached, a
young man stopped me on the way, and said: 'Your property
is saved, sir; the Sisters' house is not even in danger.'
Only on reaching the scene could I be convinced that he had
spoken truly. It would be impossible to express my emotion at
the sight. I sent to inform our dear Sisters of the fact and
they could scarcely credit this marvellous preservation. It
suffices to add, that all Salonica is unanimous in pronouncing
it a miracle."[32]

[Footnote 32: Letter of Mr. Turroque, July 16, 1856.]

* * * * *

"In an ambulance crowded with Russians was a young Pole,
severely wounded and suffering intolerable pain; he earnestly
invoked the sweet and merciful Virgin Mary. By his side lay
a Russian Protestant, wounded also, and attacked by violent
dysentery. So offensive was the odor from his disease, that
both patients and nurses complained. He appeared utterly
indifferent to everything concerning religion. He took no
notice of the Sister as she passed and repassed; he never
even deigned to look at her. The young Pole, on the contrary,
called her frequently, and gratefully received her care and
consolations. One evening our young Catholic was suffering more
than usual; the pain drew tears from his eyes; his groans and
cries were incessant. He called the Sister and begged her to
help him, saying his patience was exhausted; he was in despair;
his sufferings were excruciating. The Polish Sister, consoling
and encouraging him, bade him have confidence, and gave him
a medal to apply to the wounded limb. The young man followed
her suggestion; and laying his hand on the medal to keep it in
place, he soon fell asleep. Our Protestant appeared unconscious
of what was going on, yet he had seen and examined all. Some
days after, he called our Polish Sister to him, (she was the
only one who could understand him) and said: 'Sister, please
give me what you gave this young man that did him so much
good, for I suffer greatly!' 'My friend, she replied, I desire
nothing better than to relieve you also; but you lack what
effected his cure, faith and confidence. You Protestants deny
the power of the Blessed Virgin; you do not acknowledge her as
your Queen, your Advocate, your Mother. So what can I do? It
was a medal of Mary that so speedily relieved your neighbor,
the young Pole.' 'Give me one also, Sister,' he answered; 'I
believe all that you tell me; you do good to every one, why
should you deceive me?' 'But,' said the Sister, 'have you
confidence in Mary, the Mother of God? Do you believe in her
mercy and her power?' 'I believe all that you believe, Sister,
since Mary hears the prayers of the unfortunate, and brings
relief to the suffering, she cannot deceive us!' The Sister,
much consoled at hearing these words, gave him a medal, and
our admirable talisman effected in his soul most gratifying
results. He asked to receive instruction from a priest, and
after some days employed in studying the holy doctrines of
the Church, and in assiduous prayer to Mary he abjured his
errors. As he had been separated from the other patients, on
account of the unpleasant odor we have mentioned, he was at
full liberty to act as he wished. After his baptism, and the
reception of the holy Eucharist, being unable to restrain
his transports, he exclaimed: 'Oh! how happy I am! My heart
has never known such joy! I am content to die, and I do not
regret having been struck on the battlefield! To my wound do
I owe my salvation. Oh! how we poor Protestants are deceived!
By what lies are we led astray! How good God is to rescue me
from error! May the sweet and holy Virgin be known and loved
always and everywhere!' And in these beautiful dispositions, he
expired."[33]

[Footnote 33: Letter of Sister M----, July 9, 1857.]

"A sergeant advanced in years had been suffering for three
months from a severe dysentery; one morning the Sister who was
visiting the sick found him in tears. 'Ah! my brave soldier,'
said she, 'what is the meaning of all this grief?' 'O Sister,'
he exclaimed, 'lend me patience, for mine is exhausted. I am
in despair; I can endure my sufferings no longer; I feel that
I am going to die, and just at the time I was to receive a
pension--at the very moment I hoped to return to my country
with honor and see my family once more. Must I die afar from
home and leave my bones in a strange land?' Groans were
mingled with his words, and his gestures had all the violence
of despair. The Sister who relates the fact says: 'My heart
ached at witnessing the grief of this brave man, with his white
hairs and numerous scars. However, as my tears would not have
dried his, I tried to rouse his courage by other means, and I
promised him a perfect cure if he would unite in prayer with
our little family at the hospital. Giving him a Miraculous
Medal, I recommended him to God and Mary with my whole heart.
We made a novena to the Immaculate Virgin, and ere its
termination our sergeant was entirely cured."[34]

[Footnote 34: Letter of Sister M----, July 9, 1857.]

* * * * *

"Every evening our soldiers assembled around the Sisters in
charge and sang pious canticles; they even composed music and
words suited to the occasion. These they intoned, uniting
their deep, sonorous voices with the Sisters'. In unison and
harmony of mind as of voice, they repeated in chorus the sacred
names of Jesus and Mary as a rallying cry of hope, confidence
and triumph--a chant of love, a united echo of heaven and
country. Then their hearts thrilled with joy inexpressible,
and they were filled with pride and happiness at the thought
of belonging to that France who imparts to her children the
heroism of courage and the virtue of the perfect Christian.
During the month of May our military concerts were multiplied;
all were rivals in zeal. The altars were adorned with admirable
piety and taste, notwithstanding our extreme poverty. Entire
trees were felled to assist in concealing the dilapidated state
of the barracks, which had been converted into chapels. Had
our soldiers been free to do so, they would have despoiled the
gardens of the Turks to adorn the sanctuary of the Queen of
Heaven.

"In the ambulances of Péra some of the most zealous soldiers,
both officers and privates, wished to present Mary a solemn
homage of their devotedness and gratitude. They chose a heart
as the symbol of their sentiments. All the balls extracted
from their wounds were collected to compose the offering. But
a soldier suddenly exclaimed with enthusiasm: 'Comrades, what
are we doing? Shall we offer the Blessed Virgin a schismatical
heart? All these balls are Russians!' 'True,' replied another,
'these balls are Russian; we must have French balls. Let us ask
the Russians for those we sent them.' 'Stay,' said a third,
'you have forgotten that these Russian balls are stained with
our blood!' 'Well, then, let us use them,' suggested a fourth,
'the French balls will form the centre.' They went immediately
to ask the Russians for the French balls. These were willingly
given. The heart was prepared; their names inscribed on it with
the designation of the regiment, and the offering was presented
to Mary amid the most lively acclamations and transports of joy
and gratitude."[35]

[Footnote 35: Letter of Sister M., July 9, 1857.]

ITALIAN WAR, 1859.

Letter of Sister Coste:

_Gaëta, December 18th, 1860._

During the siege of Gaëta, the Sisters of Charity willingly
remained in the city, to assist the sick and wounded
Neapolitans. They felt that there was no greater security
against the dangers to which they were exposed, than that of
recommending themselves and their abode to the protection
of the Blessed Virgin, by means of the Miraculous Medal.
Their Superioress, Sister Coste, wrote December 18th, 1860:
"Frequently the cannon roars in our ears; bombs whiz around us,
but divine Providence is our shield. The first night of our
sleeping at the palace, we were saluted by the Piedmontese, who
sent us a multitude of bombs; one of them burst just outside
our room, and you might have supposed a thunderbolt had fallen.
Yet, the precious medal of our Immaculate Mother, which we
had placed at all the doors and windows, shielded us from the
danger. A large piece of iron detached itself from the bomb
above mentioned, and remains in the wall, a visible testimony
of Mary's protection. This circumstance reanimated our
confidence, and we hesitate not to pass through the streets,
notwithstanding the whizzing of projectiles."

UNITED STATES.

Extracts of letters written by Sisters of Charity during the War of Secession, from 1861 to 1865:

_"Military Hospital (House of Refuge),_ }
_"St. Louis, Missouri._ }

"Many of our poor soldiers scarcely knew of the existence of
God, and had never even heard baptism mentioned. But, when
the Sisters explained to them the necessity of this Sacrament,
and the goodness of God, who, by means of it, cleanses us from
the original stain, and adopts us as His children, they were
filled with the deepest emotion, and often shed tears. On one
occasion, a patient said: 'Sister, do not leave me; tell me
more about that good God whom I ought to love. How is it that
I have lived so long and have never heard Him spoken of as you
have just done? What must I do to become a child of God? 'You
must,' replied the Sister, 'believe and be baptized.' 'Well,
baptize me,' was his answer. The Sister persuaded him to await
the arrival of Father Burke, who would be there next morning.
The patient consented reluctantly. 'Ah!' said he, 'it is very
long to wait, and I am so weak; if I die unbaptized, I shall
not go to Heaven.' To relieve his anxiety, the Sister promised
to watch near him and administer baptism, should she perceive
any unfavorable change in his condition. 'Now,' said he, 'I am
satisfied; I rely on you to open for me the gates of Heaven;
it is through your intervention I must enter.' He spent a
quiet night. Next morning, Father Burke admitted him into the
Catholic Church, by the Sacrament of Baptism, which he received
with admirable piety. A crucifix was presented him; grasping it
eagerly, he kissed it, saying as he did so: 'O my God! I did
not know Thee or love Thee before coming to this hospital!'
Then, turning to the Sister, he said: 'Sister, I have forgotten
the prayer you taught me;' and he repeated after her several
times, 'My Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit, sweet
Jesus, receive my soul.' He died pronouncing these words."

"The precise number of baptisms cannot be ascertained; there
were probably seven hundred during the two or three years of
our residence in the hospital. Five hundred Catholics who
had led careless or sinful lives returned sincerely to God
and resumed the practice of their religious duties. A great
number of these had received no other Sacrament than that of
Baptism, and they made their first Communion at the hospital.
The majority of the newly baptized died; the others on leaving
asked for medals and catechisms, saying they desired to
instruct themselves and their families."

* * * * *

"A soldier named Nichols fell dangerously ill, and in a few
days was reduced to the last extremity. Vainly did we strive
to touch his heart and awaken him to a sense of religion.
His sufferings were terrible; both day and night was he
denied repose, and he could scarcely remain a moment in the
same position. His condition was most pitiful. Many of his
companions, knowing that he had never been baptized, and having
perceived the beneficial effects of baptism upon others, begged
the Sisters to propose to him the reception of this Sacrament,
thinking it might be a comfort to him, and not being aware of
the many efforts that had already been made to induce him to
believe in its necessity and efficacy. However, we redoubled
our efforts, and placed a Miraculous Medal under his pillow.
His comrades regarded his sufferings as a visible chastisement
of his impiety. We could not induce him to pronounce the name
of God, but he implored the physician, in the most heart
rending accents, not to let him die. Four days passed without
the least change, when one of his companions, who appeared
the most deeply interested in his welfare, said to him, with
eyes filled with tears, how much he regretted to see him die
thus, utterly bereft of a hope for the future. The other
soldiers had engaged this man to acquaint the patient with his
danger, and persuade him to make his peace with God, for they
saw that human respect alone prevented his showing any signs
of repentance. This last effort of charity was crowned with
success; he called for the Sister, and when she came, said to
her: 'Sister, I am ready to do all you wish.' After instructing
him in what was necessary for salvation, and feeling convinced
of the sincerity of his dispositions, she asked him by whom
he wished to be baptized. 'By any one you please,' was his
answer. But, to be sure that he did not desire a Protestant
minister, she said: 'Shall I send for the priest who attends
this ward?' 'Yes,' he replied, 'it is he I wish to baptize
me.' The priest was sent for without delay, and we had the
inexpressible consolation of seeing this poor sinner admitted
into the number of the children of God by the very person who,
a few days previous, had been an object of his raillery. He
became perfectly calm, and expired shortly after, invoking the
holy name of Jesus."

* * * * *

"Among the patients was a poor young man named William Hudson,
who for a long time refused to receive baptism. The Sisters,
however, nowise discouraged, explained to him the Sacrament
of Baptism, and instructed him in the mysteries of our holy
religion, and the Sister, under whose immediate charge he
was, hung a medal around his neck. Finally, he asked to speak
to good Father Burke; was baptized, and expired in the most
edifying dispositions, pronouncing the holy name of Mary.
Several others followed his example, and made their peace with
God before death."

* * * * *

"Mr. Huls, a man of thirty-five, though convinced of the
necessity of baptism, postponed the reception of it from day
to day. Knowing that he had but little attraction for our holy
religion, I forbore to mention the subject too frequently.
Nevertheless, seeing that death was rapidly approaching, I
placed a medal under his pillow and begged the Blessed Virgin
to take charge of his salvation. The next day, just as I was
turning away after giving him a drink, he called me and said:
'Sister, what ought I to do to prepare for the next world?' I
told him that it was necessary to repent of his sins, because
sin is the greatest of evils, and it had caused the sufferings
and death of our Lord Jesus Christ; that God's goodness and
mercy towards sinners are infinite, and that He is always ready
to pardon us, even at the last moment, if we sincerely return
to Him. I urged him to cast himself with confidence into the
arms of this merciful Father, who earnestly desired to open
for him the gates of the Eternal City, and I added that it was
absolutely necessary to be baptized. He assured me that he
believed all I had said to him; he then repeated with fervor
the acts of faith, hope, charity, contrition, and resignation
to the will of God. Seeing that he was entering into his agony,
I baptized him; the Sacraments appeared to revive his strength.
He began to pray, and made such beautiful aspirations of
love and gratitude to God, that one might have said his good
angel inspired them, particularly the act of contrition. I
remained with him to the last, praying for him, when he had not
strength to do so himself; if I paused a moment through fear of
fatiguing him: 'Go on Sister,' he would say in dying accents,
'I can still pray.'"

* * * * *

"Another soldier, William Barrett, scarcely twenty years of
age, was almost in a dying condition when brought to the
hospital. After doing all I could for the relief of his poor
body, I inquired very cautiously as to the state of his soul.
Alas! it was deplorable; not that he had committed great
crimes, but that he was entirely ignorant of everything
relating to his salvation. He had never said a prayer, and he
hardly knew of the existence of a God. My first conversation
with him on the subject of religion, was not altogether
pleasing to him, for he did not understand it; but when I
had briefly explained the principal articles of Faith, he
listened very attentively, and begged me to tell him something
more. When I told him that our Lord had loved us so much as
to become man and die on a cross for our salvation, he could
not restrain his tears: 'Oh!' said he, 'why did no one ever
tell me that? Oh! if I had only known it sooner! How could I
have lived so long without knowing and loving my God!' I now
prepared him to receive the Sacrament of Baptism, and tried
to make him sensible of God's great mercy, in bringing him to
the hospital, that he might die a holy death. He understood
this and much more, for grace had spoken to this poor heart,
so truly penetrated with sorrow for sin. 'I wish to love God,'
said he, 'but I am such a miserable creature! I would like to
pray, but I do not know how. Sister, pray for me, please.' I
promised to do so, and offering him a medal of the Blessed
Virgin, I told him that by wearing it, he would secure the
intercession of the Mother of God, who is ever powerful with
her divine Son. He gladly accepted the medal, put it around
his neck, and repeated, not only the aspiration, O Mary!
conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee,
but other prayers, to obtain the grace of a happy death. He
then asked me when I would have him carried to the river, for
he was under the impression that he could not be baptized
without being immersed. I explained to him the manner in
which the Catholic Church administers this Sacrament, and the
dispositions necessary for receiving it. Listening eagerly to
every word I uttered, 'Pray with me, Sister,' said he, 'come
nearer, that I may hear you better, for I do not know how to
pray.' He repeated with great fervor all the prayers I recited,
and thought only of preparing himself for his baptism which
was to take place on the following day. From that time he
wished to converse with the Sisters only. If his companions or
the attendants came to him, he answered them in a few words,
evidently showing that he desired to be alone with his God. One
of the officers asked him, if he wished any one to write to his
family. 'Do not speak to me of my family now,' said he, 'the
Sisters have written to my parents. I wish for nothing but to
pray and to be baptized.' And the words ever on his lips, were
these: 'O God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' Towards evening he
became so weak, that I thought it best to remain with him. At
three o'clock in the morning, fearing that he was in his agony,
I administered the Sacrament of Regeneration; he lived till
seven o'clock. The fervor with which he united in the prayers
was truely edifying; even when scarcely able to speak, he tried
to express his gratitude to God for His goodness and mercy to
him. He was most anxious to quit this world, that he might go
to that Father, who had admitted him into the number of His
children, and whom he so earnestly desired to see and know."

* * * * *

"A soldier, advanced in age, told me one day, that in his
country the prejudices of the people were so strong against our
Faith, that they would refuse hospitality to a traveler did
they know him to be a Catholic; as to himself, he had never
met with a Catholic previous to his coming to the hospital;
but what he had seen here (nothing comparable to which had he
ever witnessed among Protestants), was sufficient to convince
him of the truth of Catholicity; that he had belonged to the
Presbyterian Church, but he would remain in it no longer, and
desired to be instructed in our holy religion. I gave him
a catechism and some other books, which he read with great
attention. Perceiving that his end approached, he asked for a
priest and was baptized. 'If it were the will of God,' said he,
speaking of his property, which was considerable, 'I should
like to live a little longer and enjoy my fortune; but if the
Lord wills otherwise, I am ready to leave all.' He was ever
repeating these words: 'Not as I will, O Lord, but as Thou
wilt.' From the moment of his baptism, he applied himself
most diligently to a profitable disposition of the remainder
of life, that he might prepare for his journey to eternity.
At times, when he felt a little stronger, he studied the
catechism; and when he could no longer hold a book, he prayed
and meditated in silence. One day as I was giving him a drink,
he showed me his medal. 'Ah!' said he, tears of gratitude
streaming down his cheeks, 'behold! my Mother. I kiss her
every hour!' He prayed constantly, even when he could neither
eat, drink, nor sleep. Once when he was extremely weak, the
attendants having changed his position, he fainted, and rallied
only with great difficulty. On perceiving that I was trying to
restore him: 'Ah! Sister,' said he, 'why did you not let me
go?' He also remarked to the attendants, that he feared the
Sister would prolong his life for a month, but his fears were
not realized; in a few days he slept the sleep of the just.

* * * * *

"One of the soldiers, who had been a long time in the hospital,
having fallen very ill, I tried to persuade him to make his
peace with God, before going to meet that God as his Judge. My
efforts met with little success; he did not admit the necessity
of baptism, and he was not in the least concerned about his
salvation. But he accepted a medal, and without being aware of
it, he swallowed some drops of holy water. Then I recommended
him very earnestly to the Blessed Virgin, and in a few days
after he asked to be instructed, and was baptized. We could not
give him greater pleasure than to pray beside him. He received
Extreme Unction with deep and sincere devotion, and expired in
the most happy dispositions."

* * * * *

"In the hospital was a soldier named Sanders, who, though not
very ill, was unable to join his regiment. He had no idea of
religion. I remarked that he observed us very closely, as if
examining our conduct; nothing escaped him. Before leaving, he
came to bid me good-by and thank me for the care I had bestowed
upon him. I was somewhat surprised, as I had had no occasion of
serving him; but, seeing he was so well disposed, I profited by
the opportunity to offer him a medal and a book explaining the
Catholic Faith. He accepted them with gratitude, and returned
to his regiment. A year later, he came again to the hospital,
hastening to inform me of his conversion, and seeking a priest,
by whom he was gladly instructed and received into the fold
of the Holy Church. 'I owe my conversion,' said he, 'to the
intercession of the Immaculate Mary and your prayers, and it
has been my happy lot to bring other souls to God.' This was,
indeed, the case; employed in a military hospital, where he was
the only Catholic, by his zeal and solicitude he instructed
many poor sick, called a priest, had them baptized, and enjoyed
the consolation of procuring eternal happiness for a large
number of his fellow-soldiers."

* * * * *

"In 1862, a Sister of the hospital at New Orleans gave a medal
to one of the attendants on the point of setting out for the
army, and she advised him to keep it always about him. Some
time after, he returned, having received a slight wound on
the head. On seeing the Sister, he exclaimed: 'Sister, here
is the medal you gave me; it has saved my life! Just in the
midst of battle, the string by which the medal hung around my
neck broke, and whilst the cannons were roaring around us, I
attached it to a button of my uniform; all my companions fell,
and I escaped with this slight contusion.'"

* * * * *

"_Military Hospital of Philadelphia._

"A soldier was brought to the hospital grievously wounded. A
few questions which the Sister put to him on the subject of
religion revealed the fact, that not only was he not baptized,
but also most ignorant of the truths essential to salvation.
The Sister then began to instruct him, and with all requisite
prudence, gave him to understand that the physicians despaired
of his recovery. From this moment he listened with the deepest
interest to explanations of the catechism; and, one day, when
Sister had spoken to him of the necessity of that Sacrament
which renders us children of God and heirs of heaven, he joined
his hands and said in the most beseeching tone: 'Oh! do not let
me die without baptism!' The Sister then asked him from what
minister he desired to receive this Sacrament and he replied:
'From yours; from him who says Mass in the Sister's Chapel.'
Before the close of the day, Father MacGrane had satisfied
the sick man's pious desire, and the new Christian, filled
with joy, incessantly repeated acts of love and gratitude. The
physician, making his evening visit, found him so ill, that
he directed the attendant to watch him all night, saying he
might die at any moment. Before retiring, the Sister gave him a
medal of the Blessed Virgin, and briefly narrating to him how
this tender Mother had often wrought miraculous cures by means
of her blessed image; she encouraged the dying man to address
himself to Mary with entire confidence.

"Next morning she was surprised to find him better; but he
was much troubled about 'his piece,' which he could not find;
he feared it had been taken away. The Sister soon found and
restored it to him; receiving it most joyfully, he asked for a
string and placed the medal over his wound. When the physician
came, which was soon after, he was no less surprised than the
Sister at perceiving the change in his patient's condition.
The patient, (Duken by name), continued to improve, and in a
few weeks he could walk with the aid of crutches. His first
visit was to the chapel; from that day, whenever we had Mass,
he rose at five o'clock in order to assist at it; and so eager
was he for Father MacGrane's instructions, that the intervening
time from one Sunday to another seemed to him very long. He
attributed his cure to the Blessed Virgin, and it was indeed
most remarkable; for he was out of the physician's hands long
before many other soldiers of the same ward whose wounds were
less dangerous, and who had received the same attentions, were
able to leave their beds. He asked for a furlough that he might
visit his wife, whom he was very anxious to see a member of the
true Church, but 'knowing her prejudice against Catholics, he
dared hope for such a happiness.' It was, nevertheless, granted
him; she consented to be baptized with her children, and Duken
returned to the hospital, blessing God and the holy Virgin for
the wonderful graces bestowed on his family.

"Our Sisters of the South, like those of the North, were
in great demand wherever sufferings and miseries claimed
relief, and they responded to the call with a holy courage and
eagerness.

"In these divers localities was the Miraculous Medal the
instrument God frequently employed in delivering souls from
the yoke of Satan. How often have we seen Mary's image
kissed respectfully by lips which had formerly uttered only
blasphemies against the Mother of God! Every one asked for
a medal; some, no doubt, urged by curiosity or the desire
of possessing a souvenir of the Sisters, as they themselves
acknowledged; but, even so, they could not carry upon
their person this sweet image, without growing better and
experiencing the effects of Mary's protection. In nearly every
case, what rendered the triumph of grace still more remarkable
was the fact of its acting upon men who were not only ignorant,
but fanatical, hating the name of Catholic, and excited to
fury at the sight of a priest. A Sister relates that she
ventured, one day, to ask a soldier, who was in the threshold
of eternity, if he had been baptized. 'No,' was the reply, in
a voice of thunder; 'no, and I have no wish to be plunged in
water just now. Let me alone!'

"'Recommending him to Mary,' says the Sister, 'I left him.
Towards evening, I heard a noise in the ward in the direction
of his bed, and the attendant came in haste to say that the
patient had sent for me.' 'Ah!' said the latter, in a tone
very different from that of his morning's speech; 'I am dying,
baptize me, I beg of you.' 'Giving him briefly the necessary
instruction, I administered the holy rite, and a few hours
later he peacefully expired.'

"Rarely did these poor soldiers complain of their fate; though
but little accustomed to the rigors of military life, they bore
them with admirable patience. However, there was one exception
to the general rule, that of an old soldier, who murmured
continually and accused God of afflicting him unjustly.
Arguments were worse than useless, they served but to aggravate
the evil. Failing in this means to bring him to a better state
of mind, I offered him a medal of the Blessed Virgin. By
degrees, his complaints ceased, his countenance became composed
and serene, and I had the consolation of seeing him expire in
the most edifying dispositions."

THE WAR BETWEEN PRUSSIA AND AUSTRIA, 1866.

Letter of Mr. Stroever, Priest of the Mission, July 1st, 1867:

"The wounded arrive in great numbers, and all our houses are
filled. Every one wishes to have a medal; I inquired of one,
who had begged for a medal at any price, if he were a Catholic.
'No,' was the answer; 'I am a Protestant but I would like to
have it as a souvenir of yourself;' and he received it most
gratefully.

"We observe a certain degree of piety among the soldiers,
and the sick are most eager to receive the Sacraments. The
Protestants show a remarkable inclination to Catholicity. Not
only the private soldiers, but even persons of distinction,
wishing to have medals, scapulars or a crucifix. They take no
measures to conceal these objects of devotion, and no one seems
surprised at seeing them on their persons."

REMINISCENCES OF THE COMMUNE, PARIS, 1871.

Notes of a Sister of the Hospital d'Enghien:

"During the siege, we had placed Miraculous Medals over all the
doors and windows of the house. As one of our Sisters expressed
the intention of concealing them, Sister Catherine exclaimed:
'No, no; they must be seen; put them in the middle of the
principal entrance.'

"During the few days immediately preceding our departure from
the house, the federal national guards said to one another:
'Let us go and ask the venerable Sister Catherine for medals;
she has given some to our comrades who have shown them to us,
we would like to have them too.' 'But you, poor creatures,'
replied a Sister, 'you have no faith, no religion, what good
will the medal do you.' 'Very true, Sister,' said they, 'we
have not much faith, but we believe in the medal; it has
protected others, it will also protect us, and when we go to
battle, it will help us to die as brave soldiers.' Good Sister
Catherine gave medals to all who presented themselves, and
many, who belonged to the enemy, sent their comrades to procure
them.

"After the army had entered Paris, thirty of the wounded
insurgents, before being brought to trial, were sent to the
Hospital d'Enghien to be nursed by the Sisters. The house
was already transformed into an ambulance, and we were
obliged to take one of the dormitories of the orphans for the
newly-arrived patients. The appearance of these men were so
frightful, that Sister Eugenie who had been appointed to attend
them, had not the courage for the first two days to make any
suggestions to them concerning religion; but finally, feeling
that she must comply with her duty, and urged by the advice of
a companion, she went to Sister Catherine and asked for medals
for the insurgents. Sister gave them cheerfully, and encouraged
her to use this powerful means of inspiring these unfortunate
men with Christian sentiments. Animated by this thought, Sister
Eugenie repaired to the ward, and much affected, proposed
to say evening prayers. 'Yes, Sister,' answered some among
them. Trembling, she began; but at the _Creed_, overcome by
excitement and terror, she wept like a child, and was obliged
to pause. When she recovered her voice, it was not to continue
the prayers, but to tell the prisoners how much she felt at the
thought that on the morrow, they would be judged and perhaps
condemned; then making them a brief exhortation, inspired by
the circumstances, she offered to give each one a medal of the
Blessed Virgin, begging them to retain it about their person,
happen what might. The proposition was accepted immediately,
but Sister Eugenie was too frightened to give the medal into
their hands; in the middle of the night, when all seemed to be
asleep, she quietly placed a medal under each one's pillow.
How great was her joy next morning, to see all these poor
insurgents with the medal around their neck.

"The Superioress came into the hall where the men were
collected and asked if they wished a priest to come and hear
their confessions. All consented with unequivocal signs of
gratitude. A good priest, one of the hostages of the Commune,
came and heard their confession. On leaving them he seemed
much consoled, and said he had every reason to hope for their
salvation. The unfortunate men left the house at seven o'clock,
and were conducted to Versailles; they were calm and resigned,
and when about to leave, showed the Sisters the medal they
wore. Doubtless, God accepted the sacrifice of their life in
atonement for their faults."