This saint fought with sword in one hand and rosary in the other

               March 22 -- St Nicholas of Flue

St. Nicholas of Flue was born to a family of simple peasants in Switzerland in 1417.  He was blessed with natural gifts and had uncommon intelligence and piety. Every evening he would wake to pray and to read the psalter in honor of Our Lady. 

At 23, he joined the military and fought bravely for fourteen years.  His courage was marked by his particular mode of fighting with sword in one hand and rosary in the other.  Upon his return from war, he chose to live as a hermit who was sought out by numerous pilgrims searching for his wisdom and direction.  He died on his birthday, March 22, 1487.

The life of St. Nicholas gives us an interesting insight.  The true warrior is one who is pure, brave, just, courageous and dedicated to Our Lady.  Her rosary is his main weapon both on the battlefield of the enemy and on the battlefield of conquering human passions and vices.

The true warrior puts all his trust in the strength of Our Lady and defends her cause with honor.  He knows that if he attains victory the laurels belong to the Holy Virgin. 

Let us ask Our Lady and St. Nicholas to help us carry the sword of Truth in one hand and the Holy Rosary in the other, so that we may be victorious in the battles of life.