THE WHITE TIE

Jorge was a true little angel who edified everyone by his virtues. He made his First Communion at a college in Rouen.

Among other resolutions, he made this one: “I will keep with me the white tie of my First Communion until the day when, by great misfortune, I might lose the grace of which it is the symbol.”

Jorge grew up… always preserving the white tie.

When the Franco-Prussian War broke out, he enlisted as a volunteer among the Zouaves of General de Charette. In January 1871, at the time of the victory of Le Mans, he was mortally wounded.

The chaplain immediately approached him.

— Thank you, Reverend Chaplain… I confessed two or three days ago; nothing weighs on my conscience; lay me upon some straw and bring me the holy Viaticum, for I am going to die.

The chaplain soon returned, bringing the Blessed Sacrament.

— Before giving me Communion, do me a favor: open my knapsack and you will find a white tie; place it around my neck.

Then he received the holy Viaticum, gave thanks, and said:

— Now I die; I beg you the kindness of taking this tie to my mother and telling her that, from the day of my First Communion, I never lost sanctifying grace; yes, tell her that this tie has received no stain other than that of my red blood shed for the Fatherland.