St. Bridget had a son named Charles who was a soldier. One day he was fighting in a great battle, and was fatally wounded. He was taken off the field, and soon afterwards breathed his last. When his good mother heard of her son’s death, she was filled with grief and anxiety for him. She was afraid that he might have fallen into serious sin, like so many other soldiers, and died before reconciling himself to God.

With all her heart Bridget wanted to know what became of her son, Charles. In God’s mercy, He showed her in a vision.

She saw Our Lady standing at the Judgment-seat of her Son Jesus. Charles stood there to be judged. The devil was also there, eager to claim his soul.

The devil complained to God in these words:
"Your Mother has done me two wrongs here. Before Charles died, She went into the place where he lay, and protected him in his last struggle, and did not permit me to tempt him. Then, instead of allowing me to bring him to be judged, She herself took him in Her arms and carried him here. These are the two great wrongs She has done me. So, Just Judge, give orders now that the soul of Charles return to his body, that I may be able to tempt him."

But Our Lady interrupted the devil:
"Although you are the father of lies, you have here spoken the truth: I did assist Charles in a most special manner when he was dying, and also here at the Judgment-seat, because he served me well during life, and at the moment of his death gave his life in honor of me."

Jesus turned towards satan, and said:
"My Mother has a right to command here, because She is a Queen and a Sovereign in My Kingdom, and can do in these things whatever She wills. In this matter She has done well."

By these words Jesus silenced satan, and St. Bridget knew that her beloved son was safe.