Exactly two hundred years ago, in 1824, on January 15th, Francis Luyckx was born in Moll, Belgium. As a young man, he joined the Benedictines. Later he was ordained a priest, taking on the name Fr. Paul.

Fr. Paul of Moll became well-known for his powerful intercession with Heaven. Many people sought his prayers and advice. Fr. Paul, being very devoted to his monastic patron, St. Benedict, often distributed medals of the saint. He encouraged people not only to wear them but also to pray for help, particularly to St. Benedict.

One of countless examples of the good done by this holy priest occurred during a time when the military was enlisting recruits. The men chosen were required to randomly pull a number, which would determine whether or not they had to enroll. This method was not intended for those who already wanted to join the military - for those were always welcome to sign up. This drafting was to gather those who had not intended to become soldiers, but would now have to depending on the number they got.

Many men asked Fr. Paul to pray that they would pick a good number, so that they would not be enlisted in the army. He encouraged them to pray a novena to St. Benedict, and wear a St. Benedict medal. Those who followed his instructions were spared from military service.

In some cases, Fr. Paul even told them exactly what number they would choose. One worker was given specific instructions from the holy priest to say five Our Fathers and Hail Mary’s each evening for a fortnight. Fr. Paul assured the man "You will draw a good number, 134." And so the laborer did.

One particular instance, though, did not go as expected.

Fr. Paul received letters from a certain young man who was soon to draw a number. The holy priest assured him, "Count on me."

The young man, confident in Fr. Paul’s prayerful support, was unhappily surprised when the number he picked was not one he had hoped for. This number meant he had to enlist!

Quite dismayed, he wrote again to Fr. Paul, telling him the upsetting news. The response he received was compassionate and encouraging:

"We must always joyfully submit to the holy will of God. When in fervent prayer, we ask a favor of Him, then no matter what may happen, the final result will always be good, as you will realize later."

After much anticipation, the day of enlistment came. As to be expected, there is much paperwork, examinations and tests that have to be completed for each new soldier. With Fr. Paul’s counsel deep in his soul, the young man prepared himself for it all. But he himself tells us what happened then…

"When I presented myself for medical examination, both physicians, who were busy writing, without even looking at me, cried out 'Too weak! March on!' "