A gentleman went to visit a hospital which was attached to a convent, so that the nuns, devoted nurses that they were, could care for the sick within their own walls.

During this man’s visit, an operation had to be performed on one of the patients. Unfortunately, people then didn’t have anesthetics like we have today. With nothing to dull her senses, the operation was intensely painful for the poor woman. Her cries of agony echoed throughout the hospital, filling everyone with horror and pity for her.

The gentleman was so affected by these sounds of torment that he instantly left the ward. He stood just outside in the hall, which joined the hospital to the convent chapel. Thinking about the terrible operation which was still in progress, his pity for the patient was matched only by his awe at her nurses, standing calm and steadfast at her side.

His thoughts were gently interrupted as he noticed the nearby Superioress. He quickly approached her, and asked earnestly,

"How can these good Sisters stand there so courageously, when even I, who have strong nerves, cannot endure it any longer?"

The kind woman turned to face the chapel, which was visible from where they stood in the open hallway. Pointing to the tabernacle, she replied,

"Sir, it is there they get that courage and strength which you so much admire. It is Jesus Himself Who gives it to them in the Holy Eucharist."