St. Veronica of Milan was the daughter of very poor parents. Her family lived in such poverty that it was often hard for them to obtain even the basic needs of living. So, as a small child, Veronica worked alongside her parents in the fields.

But though they lived in such meager circumstances, this small family was spiritually wealthy. The good parents, by word and example, instilled in their daughter a love of God and virtue. She was particularly devout to the Blessed Mother.

As the girl grew older, she developed a strong interest in learning to read. However, her family was so busy that the only time she could squirrel away with a book was during the night, when her parents were in bed. But with no one to teach her, Veronica couldn't learn, no matter how she tried.

One night, Veronica was particularly depressed by her inability to read. In her distress, she asked Our Lady to come and teach her.

To her incredible surprise, Mary actually appeared to her right then and there! Veronica was so frightened at this sudden, amazing sight, that the poor girl fell over onto the ground.

In a sweet, gentle voice, Our Lady spoke:

"Don't be afraid, my child. I myself have come to teach you. There are just three letters you need to learn, and when you have learned them you will have learned enough. The first one is white, the second black, and the third one red."

Having recovered from her shock, Veronica felt a peaceful confidence inside her. Feeling her Heavenly Mother's love, the girl said earnestly:

"O Mary, dearest Mother, teach me what these three letters mean."

Mary answered:

"The white one means purity of heart. The black one means compassion for poor sinners - for whom my Son Jesus died - and zeal for their conversion. And the red one means devotion to the sufferings of Jesus. Study these three letters well, and it matters little whether or not you know anything else."

Saying these words, Our Lady disappeared.

Young Veronica took Mary's lesson and graces to heart. She learned and lived them so well as to become a saint. And now, from Heaven, St. Veronica of Milan is more than happy to help each one of us imprint these virtues ever deeper in our own hearts.