A certain officer, though raised as a Catholic, was a sworn enemy to religion. He had a servant who was quite the opposite. Every day this servant said his prayers devoutly before a crucifix which hung on the wall of the little room where he slept.

When the officer saw the crucifix he ordered it to be instantly taken down. Not long after he became dangerously ill, and grew rapidly worse. The doctor declared that his case was hopeless, and in fact he had but a few hours to live. Then his pious servant resolved to make an earnest attempt to save his master's soul. Going close up to him, the servant said:

"Sir, there is someone waiting outside, no other than your best friend. He very much desires to come in and be reconciled to you. May I let him in?"

The sick man was much surprised. He wondered who it could be that wanted to see him. He told his servant to show the man in. Then the servant hastened to fetch his crucifix which used to hang on the wall. Bringing it to his master, he held it up before him, saying:

"Oh dear sir, here is your best friend, one who your whole life long has shown you so much kindness and bestowed so many benefits upon you - and whom you nevertheless have, up until now, only driven away and persecuted. He is infinitely merciful. He longs to be reconciled to you before your death. Do not turn Him away this time."

The good servant’s effort was not in vain. Touched by grace, the dying man took the crucifix in his hand, kissed it with tears in his eyes, and told his servant to go at once and bring a priest. The priest came without delay. The officer made a humble and contrite confession of the sins of his past life and then passed away in the best dispositions.