_A Courageous Son of Mary._
The Saints are accustomed to say 'My Mother' when speaking of the
Blessed Virgin Mary; and some time ago, under the influence of this
idea, a touching scene took place. A countryman was at Leipsic, a town
which may be called the heart of Protestantism, where he entered by
mistake the hall of a university, in which some Lutheran Doctors were
disputing upon religion. He was recognised as a fervent Catholic, by a
medal attached to his rosary hanging from his pocket; and he soon
became the object of the bitter derision of the Lutherans.
The good man, without being disconcerted, took a dollar from his old
purse, and, throwing it on the table where the Doctors were seated,
exclaimed, 'Well, then, who will bet with me which of us is the most
learned in matters of religion?'
The president laid down his piece of money; and then casting a glance
of contempt upon the peasant's rosary, said to him, 'What is the name
of the Mother of God?' The pious peasant replied, in a most respectful
tone of voice, 'Her name is Mary.' Then, quickly turning to the
Doctor, he said, 'Tell me the name of _my_ Mother.'
This question contained a mystery; a Catholic would have penetrated
it. and would have replied, 'She is called Mary.' However, the
Protestant Doctor was not sufficiently instructed to understand it. He
remained silent, filled with spite at the ingenious and pious trick of
the countryman, who, judging that he had come off victor, took up the
two pieces of money, and said, with admirable calmness, 'Gentlemen,
when you dispute again upon religion, I beg of you to let me know.' He
then retired; and the lesson was as perfect as it was well merited.
_Prayer._--O Mary, my Sovereign! O Mother of my Saviour! You are
blessed amongst all women, pure amongst all virgins, the Queen of all
creatures. All nations call you Blessed. Let me exalt your greatness
as much as it is possible for me to exalt it, and love you, as much as
I can love you. May I call upon you continually and contribute to make
you honoured, as far as I am able. I should wish to see the whole
universe prostrate at your feet, and all hearts burning with your
love, that they may all love your Divine Son, as you loved Him in this
world, and will love Him for all eternity. I earnestly entreat this
grace, O my Mother, although I acknowledge and confess myself unworthy
to obtain it.
_Ejaculation._--O Holy Virgin, enable me to speak of your greatness.
_Practice._--Examine if the virtues of Mary are to you as that lesser
luminary in whose light you walk on in the way that leads to Paradise.