Hail Mary in Algiers
The Rosary In Battle
The wife of an eminent French officer of rank, who in his capacity of commander of an advanced frontier post in Algiers was more than one hundred times exposed to a soldier's death on the battle-field, mentioned the following incidental circumstances in a private conversation:
"I remember well that during the frequent insurrections in Africa, my husband was often compelled to meet at dead of night those fierce tribes who, goaded by fanaticism and love of liberty, kept up the spirit of armed rebellion. Oh, how terrible were these night attacks! I shall never forget them, for I could find neither sleep nor rest during those weary hours. At such times, after having recommended my little boy to God, I used to leave him in the care of our faithful Arab and a powerful dog, and betake myself to a neighbouring hillock covered with the debris of an ancient Roman fortress, and there, seated in the midst of those fantastic ruins, I seized my only weapon, my rosary, thus taking actual part in the strife. The din of musketry, the tramp of horses, the frenzied cries of the wounded, followed by short moments of frightful silence, all this caused my heart to beat in terror and covered my forehead with the cold sweat of deadly agony. My rosary, the only witness of these impressions, was in those critical moments also my only support. And how fervently did I say my beads! While the heavy guns were booming, I thought that our troops might have suffered a defeat, that my husband was perhaps among the slain—or, still worse, a prisoner in the hands of a merciless foe. 'Our Father who art in heaven. . .' 'Hail Mary, full of grace…' The sky seemed to be on fire, the din of the battle was deafening.. . .'Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners…' You can imagine such prayers, a thousand times cut short by the violent beatings of a terrified heart, almost broken, and alternately a prey to all kinds of feelings, from the utmost dejection to unbounded confidence. At last, when the first dawn of approaching day shone in the heavens I would see our victorious battalion appear, afar off. I then speedily returned to my dwelling, and shortly afterwards my husband entered, broken down with fatigue, but elated by victory. He did not in the least doubt that I had shared nobly in the struggle, and that my 'Hail Marys' had contributed a considerable part towards the glorious result."
01.01.2012. 09:05