A Rosary in a Military School

Some years ago, a pupil of a French military school found a Rosary on the floor of a class room.

"Look here! A Rosary in a military school!" he cried out. "What a marvellous occurrence!"

"This was on the eve of an examination at which an old French Marshal was going to preside. Amongst all the pupils who were examined, one youth especially signalized himself, as much by his modest demeanour as by his knowledge and steady behaviour. After the examination, the Marshal walked past the students who were arranged in order of rank. As soon as this was over, they were allowed to leave their places, and the one who had found the Rosary, pushing forward, exclaimed mockingly, "Now, who has lost this Rosary? Who can be so stupid as to use such a thing?"

Then the pupil, who had answered the best at the examination, stepped forward and said: "The Rosary is mine, so give it back to me at once; it was a gift of my mother's, and I promised her to keep it carefully, and to say it every day of my life." The Marshal, to whom this occurrence was related, approached the youth and said to him: "My friend, I wish you joy that you have shown as much courage and noble determination in regard to your Rosary, as you gave proofs of talent and industry at the examination. Be ever as courageous in the fulfillment of your duties, and you will gain the esteem of all around you."

(MARIA SANCTISSIMA; Rev. Dom Joseph A. Keller; English trans. and edition by O.S.B.; R. & T. Washbourne; 1899)