There was once a Catholic Englishman by the name of De Lisle, who was a lieutenant in the British Navy. On one occasion, his ship was stationed in one of the harbors of the Pacific Ocean and was very near to a French man-of-war. At this time there was peace between the two nations, so when the Lieutenant heard that a priest would be offering Mass on the French ship, De Lisle thought it would easier and better for his men to fulfill their Sunday obligation there rather than have to travel back to shore. He pursued permission for this favor, and it was obtained.
So, about a quarter of an hour before Mass would begin, Lt. De Lisle punctually arrived with his men on board the French man-of-war. The Englishmen were led to where the Mass was to be offered up, while the French officers kindly invited De Lisle into their cabin. Amidst their amiable visiting, De Lisle, after a little while, looked down at his watch and noticed that fifteen minutes had nearly passed.

Cheerily, he informed his fellow officers "Ah, I see it is now time for Mass to begin."

His friendly remark was met with a strange indifference; and an awkward moment passed as the Englishman glanced about at his French companions, for he knew them to be Catholic as well. One of the less reserved ones spoke out in astonishment:

"What? Mass! Surely you’re not going to Mass!" These officers had respected De Lisle’s request for his men to board their ship. But they, as too often is the case, lived in total disregard for religion - and imagined he did the same. Surely, he would see his men got to Mass, but they never expected this young English officer to join the ranks of the common soldiers in the practice of religion.

Upon the question, or rather objection, on whether or not he intended on going to Mass, Lt. De Lisle answered simply and without hesitation,

"Yes I am."

And, without waiting for reply or rebuff, he at once took leave of his fellow officers. Finding the way himself to the place of worship, the lieutenant humbly knelt down in the midst of his men and attended the Mass with great devotion - much to the edification of his companions.

The fruits of this good man’s piety, however, did not end there. A little over halfway through the Mass, one of the French officers quietly came in. And the following Sunday, without any ado, a few more joined in. And by the Sunday after that, the entirety of the officers were attending Mass on time and with due fidelity.