The last golden rays of the evening sun shone down on the Catholic Kingdom. Villagers were to be seen all about, finishing the last of the chores and enjoying the breathtaking sunset before retiring for the day. The little children ran about trying to catch one another, and once in a while a squeal or shriek of joy was to be heard. Dominique smiled to herself seeing the youngsters delight in a simple game of tag. She looked up at the broad, cloudless sky and took in a breath of fresh air before returning to her cottage. Nearby, two children sat outside talking. "I wish that something exciting would happen!" exclaimed ten-year-old Thomas who went to the nearby monastery school. "You ought to be thankful for the happy lives we lead, Thomas." Maria, Thomas' twelve-year-old sister, replied. "I never said I wasn't thankful! I just wish something...something... adventurous would happen! You know, like in stories." Thomas' eyes were bright with excitement. Maria laughed. "I understand. However, this calm life suits me!" She sighed contentedly. Thomas didn't agree. "It would be so great if we had an adventure; if we were given a chance to show our bravery!!! Nothing exciting ever happens here." Thomas did not know how wrong he was.

The next morning everyone awoke to the sound of many trumpets blaring. After she devoutly prayed her morning offering, Dominique rushed outside to see what was the matter. Harold, Sir Stephen and other knights were telling everyone in the village who lived outside the fortress to get in immediately. A huge army was advancing toward the kingdom. Dominique quickly gathered her most precious belongings and gave a helping hand to the others. Thomas was scared but excited. In the castle, Lady Gwendolyn went to the top of the keep and took a look at the horizon. A thrill of terror filled her, but she kept herself calm. There, in the distance, Lady Gwendolyn could see a vast number of troops heading for the Catholic Kingdom.

"Is everyone inside the fortress?" Sir Stephen asked Harold. "Yes, Sir." With that, the gates were closed and locked. Inside there was a lot of confusion. Things such as,"Why are they coming?", "What is going to happen?", "How many are there?", "What are we going to do?" and "No one has ever attacked us before. Why are they?" were heard amidst the bustle. The bishop stationed at the cathedral talked calmly to the people and in his right hand he held a rosary. "My dear sons and daughters," he began. "I know that there is an enormous army advancing on us. I know that they have catapults; I know they have battering rams; I know they have maces; I know they have sharp swords; I know they have experience. However, I know of one thing they don't have." After that the bishop held out his rosary for all to see. "We all know the power of the Rosary. Take Lady Gwendolyn's story, What Devils Fear Most for example. We must ask Our Lady for help!" Everyone who wasn't going to fight went into the cathedral and prayed the Rosary. A Mass in honor of Our Lady was then offered and Benediction followed. The ladies and children stayed in the cathedral in Adoration while the enemy attacked.

"And... fire!" The enemy seemed very sure of himself, only adding to the fear of the defenders. Now ladders were clinging to the massive walls of the fortress- so many that it was hard to knock them all down. "They are- getting- inside- the walls!" a knight informed, gasping between words. At this point the battle became more fierce than ever. Balls that were catapulted hurled over the fortress walls and crashed next the peasants' houses. But no matter how hard the enemy tried, non of the destructive machines did any damage to the Catholic Kingdom. Our Lady was truly watching over her children. Even the village outside the fortress was untouched. "Come on!" Lord Greywall growled. "You can do better than this!" Seeing their failure made the commander very angry since he wanted the kingdom very much. He noticed how much prospered and how there was unity, and assumed this was because of a good location and strong buildings. These things were true, but not any more true than any other fortress. That everyone was Catholic was the real reason for success.

Thomas was outside bringing new weapons and doing little jobs for the tired knights. He learned very quickly that he preferred a calm life. During one of his trips, an enemy knight took hold of him. He tried to fight back, but it was useless. He could only whisper, "Hail Mary..." "What's that you're saying?" inquired the knight gruffly. "I am asking Our Lady to help me." was the answer. The knight turned slightly pale and his grip on the boy loosened. "What's the matter?" Thomas asked. "My mother taught me that prayer so long ago..." whispered the knight and a single tear dripped down onto his face. He wiped it away manly and let Thomas go. "I won't take a boy who prays the same prayer my own mother taught me." he murmured. Thomas stood there, not sure what to do. Then he knew. "Come with us!" He pleaded. "Join us!" Into his pocket went Thomas' hand and returned with a rosary. He smiled at the knight. The knight smiled back and replied, "All right! You win!" Thomas led the man to Sir Stephen feeling more victorious and brave than ever. At first Sir Stephen did not believe the knight but the sincere look in his eyes made Sir Stephen trust him.

The battle ragged for a few hours. At last Lord Greywall gave up, saying, "We shall leave this place; it is protected by more than men." The entire kingdom rejoiced, thanking Mary fervently. Brother Michael Joseph led the Rosary while everyone responded full of gratitude. And in the last isle, with head bowed humbly, knelt the knight that Thomas had 'by his bravery' brought back to the Catholic Church. As the last rays of the golden sun set once again on the Catholic Kingdom, there was peace.

~Hannah Petrizzi

Our Guardian angels are always with us-
Through the long day and at night.
They help us and they guard us
Especially in our plight.

Such comfort to know
That they never leave our side-
And faithfully help us to avoid
Anger, envy and pride.

Do you hear a whisper?
No, not in your ear.
This whisper is in your heart
Spoken by your angel so near.

Oh! he draws his wings about us;
And lifts our hearts to God.
When we do what is right
He gives a gentle nod.

He folds our hands in prayer
And tells us of God's Love.
He helps us on the rough path
To our true Home above.

He cares so much for us;
Weeps when we do wrong.
He tells us to be sorry
And to become more strong.

Then let us say:

Dear Guardian Angel, be always at my side,
And help me not to stray.
So that I may be at your side,
With Christ the King some day.