The Powerful Protection of these Supernatural Allies

Among the many instances of pious munificence which the life of Eusebius, Duke of Sardinia, presents, it is recorded that he devoted the revenues of one of his richest cities to the benefit of the suffering souls in purgatory. But his powerful neighbour, the King of Sicily, panting for military glory, and even more eager for plunder, declared war against him, and appearing unexpectedly before this very city with a formidable army made himself master of it. This loss was more keenly felt by Eusebius than would have been the loss of half his dukedom. Determined, therefore, on defending his rights, he assembled his troops without delay. Notwithstanding his great inferiority in part of numbers, he boldly marched against the usurper, relying on the hope that the justice of his cause would supply for the inequality. On the day of battle, while both sides were preparing for attack, it was announced to Eusebius that, besides that of his rival, another army was descried approaching, whose banners and uniform were completely white. This unforseen events at first disconcerted him, and suspending his preparations, he sent forward two heralds on horseback to demand whether they were friends or enemies.

But lo, from the ranks of the unknown army, four cavaliers advanced, and announced that they belonged to the heavenly hosts and had come to recover the city of suffrage! The allies then united and advanced against the common enemy. Losing courage at seeing himself opposed by two armies, and having learned whence the new auxillaries had come, the King of Sicily at once sued for peace, offering to restore the conquered city, and to make, moreover, twofold compensation for the injury he had done. These terms were accepted. When Eusebius turned to thank his supernatural allies, the Chief explained to him that their ranks were exclusively composed of those who had been free from purgatory through this means, and they watched unceasingly for its welfare. The good Duke took occasion from this to become more than ever devoted to the souls in purgatory, whose powerful protection he experienced at the last.