At the siege of Metz, during the Franco-Prussian war (1870), a brave captain of artillery was mortally wounded. He was carried off by his men for medical help. The desperate captain didn’t care what operations were needed, however painful or lasting. All he wanted to do was live, for the sake of his wife and children.

But despite the doctor’s best efforts, there was nothing that could save the poor man’s life. The captain was dying. Sadly, he was so opposed to death that he refused to prepare for it. He would not make his peace with God.

One of his fellow captains, a fervent Catholic, found out about this tragic situation. Dressed in uniform, as a soldier would when paying a visit, this good man approached his comrade’s sickbed, saying tearfully,

"Come, my dear fellow, a soldier ought to know how to die. Give your poor wife and children the only comfort which is left to them - to know that you died as a good Catholic."

Kindly, but firmly, he insisted that the dying man stop delaying the care of his soul. If he could not live for his loved ones, he could at least die well for their sakes.

Grace prevailed, and the once obstinate captain finally agreed to make his last confession. Relieved and happy, the Catholic soldier stayed with him until the priest arrived.

After receiving the Last Sacraments, the dying man felt a joy and peace he never dreamed was possible in death. He told everyone how happy he even was! He said that he was prepared for his judgment and looked forward to entering Heaven.

After these joyful declarations, he pulled up from around his neck a medal of the Sacred Heart. Laying in his deathbed, he kissed the medal lovingly. Then he told the priest,

"I have never left off wearing this medal, Father. When I am dead, be so good as to send it to my wife. It will be my last remembrance, my last farewell."

It was a fitting token for the captain’s family - a reminder of the powerful graces bestowed at the most critical moment of his life. The Sacred Heart of Jesus had proved, like the captain’s Catholic comrade, to be a faithful friend. At the hour of need, Our Lord sought to gift the dying soldier something even more precious than life…. Eternal Life. And this priceless treasure was one that death could never steal - a joy and gift that he could one day share with his loved ones forever.