COME INTO MY GUARD POST!

The veteran Captain Hurtaux, a Knight of the Legion of Honor, was not a practicing Catholic. Like many men, he felt a certain fear or human respect when it came to going to confession. Long before taking the decisive step, he liked to invoke the Blessed Virgin and would often pray at the shrine of Our Lady in Chartres, where he lived.

One day, while kneeling before a large crucifix in the cathedral, he saw a priest approaching him. The priest knew him and possessed the frankness of a soldier. Tapping him on the shoulder, he said:

— Captain, it does little good for you to be praying here if you do not place yourself in the grace of God.

Taking him by the arm, he added:

— Come into my guard post.

The captain allowed himself to be led away, made his confession, and emerged with a radiant face and a soul clothed in God's grace.

From that day on he became a model Christian. Every day he kept his hour of watch at the feet of Our Lady and never left without casting an affectionate glance toward the Mother of Heaven.

At last there came a day when he could no longer keep his watch. Then Our Lord, undoubtedly accompanied by His Mother, came to the deathbed of His servant.

He received the sacraments with lively faith, and when the priest presented him with the Sacred Host, he exclaimed:

— Lord, I am not worthy... I am not worthy that You should come into my house, but You are so good!

The captain was never ashamed of his beliefs, nor did he conceal his pious practices. He also knew how to answer those who questioned him.

— Where are you going? a friend asked one day, seeing him on his way to church.

— I am going where you ought to go but do not have the courage to go.

With a character both simple and firm, he earned the respect of everyone.