The Saving Grace of the Rosary

Grandfather was a slate worker. He went to work every morning, on foot, reciting his rosary. At that time, there was no public transportation. It took him thirty minutes to get there and thirty minutes back. And he spent the time praying. One morning, a good while after leaving the house, he realized that he had forgotten his rosary. He was perplexed. What should he do? Continue on his way to work or go back home to get it? He made his decision quickly, turned around and ran back home. He returned in haste, but got to work 10 minutes late. His fellow workers were waiting for him at the gate, because, as the manager, he had the keys to the building site. Together, they all entered the mine. Just before going down, they heard a din of thunder. The men looked at each other terrified. Something had subsided. The mountain was collapsing. Thanks to God, no workman was in the mine at the time. After the first control, the men found that enormous blocks of rocks had detached walls inside the mine and blocked several galleries... If Grandfather had not been late that day, many workmen would have been killed in this catastrophic event. And perhaps he himself as well! At that moment, all the men realized that God and the Virgin Mary had protected them. When Grandfather came home that evening and told me the news, I trembled from head to foot. Since this occurrence, the rosary has had the place of honor in our family. We will never forget that it preserved us from many a catastrophe.