SECRET OF FOCH’S VICTORIES.

New Zealand Tablet, 26 June 1919, Page 22

SECRET OF FOCH’S VICTORIES.

Father Lockouell, a Canadian priest of the Archdiocese of Quebec, had lodged for some time during the spring in General Foch's residence. He had the happiness of giving Holy Communion to the general and to his wife. Madam Foch told him (says the Irish Catholic) that during the dark hours of spring the English line was completely broken. This was a set-back that could easily have developed into a disaster. Foch betook himself to the spot, and measured the extent of the danger, He asked for the cure of the little village, and begged him to gather the children of his parish in the public square. When this unique corps had been drawn up the general gave an order that was likewise unique in the history of military commands. ''To your knees," he said, "and let us pray." During a silence that contrasted with the thousand detonations of the war, the deep voice of the general alternated with the sweet prayer of the priest a-nd the vibrant answers of the children. Their prayer ascended to the Sacred Heart. When it. was finished the general dismissed his recruits, and ordered the French cavalry into the breach. The infantry follows. Soon that fatal opening is closed, and Foch, who was victorious ; in stemming the onward tide of the enemy by prayer, prepares with prayer rather than with his genius for the decisive victory. =-■