David His father: and He shall reign in the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there shall be no end.[1] Exulting in the fulfilment of prophecy the Evangelist states the angel's message: Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy. . . . This day is born to you a Saviour.[2]
Again, turn to the pages of Holy Writ and see a Judith[3] delivering her people from the cruelty of Holofernes; an Esther[4] from the wild ambitions of an intriguing Aman. And in the early ages of faith when the light of Christianity is diffusing its warmth and gladness, examples are not wanting. Is it to lead a plighted love to the throne of the heavenly Bridegroom? Behold a Cecilia. Is it to confound the philosophers of Alexandria? Behold a Catherine. Listen to a Eulalia fearlessly and boldly attacking the tyranny of paganism in the face of its mighty emperors. Witness a Monica whose prayers and tears have given to the Church the prince of doctors, St. Augustine. Who but Clotilde leads a nation to the feet of Christ the King? And in later times when France is to preserve her national identity, is the leader to battle other than the "Maid of Orleans"? For the interests of humanity, St. Jerome sends a body of women into the streets of Rome. To carry the light of faith into the darkness of heathendom, St. Ursula starts with her band of educators for the shores of Britain; and to kindle anew the fire of love which for ages had illumined the world from Camel's heights, St. Teresa makes her wonderful reform. Who
