I came across this from a book called "The soul of Ireland". It is the vocation of a nun to save souls, and as soon as her training ends she begins her life work. But at times their work attracts notice, and the world focuses its limelight upon them and is astonished. On the battle fronts they work in Hospitals, succouring the wounded and comforting the dying. The world rings with praises of their heroism, and has gazed wonderingly while many have been decorated for exceptional bravery. Look at the act of a Tipperary nun in the Franco-Prussian War. While tending the wounded, she saw a large bomb fall where several were lying. She rushed across, placed the smoking bomb in her apron, and carried it a safe distance. Then she threw it from her, and cast herself face down upon the ground. In a few seconds the bomb exploded with terrific force, but she marvellously escaped injury. The whole army rang with praises of her bravery. The Commander-in-Chief ordered a parade, sent for the nun, and, after warmly eulogizing her, pinned to her black habit the cross of the Legion of Honour. She stood with downcast eyes while the cheers of the saluting soldiers filled the air. Then she turned to the General, and in all simplicity and humility asked "Are you done with me, now, General? for I must go to nurse my poor wounded soldiers who are waiting for me. During the American Civil War, Irish nuns tended the wounds of both armies. Sister Anthony, a Limerick nun, is famous still as "The Ministering Angel of the Army of Tennessee". A great hospital built in her honour stands in an American City today. A shy Irish nun headed the band of sisters who nursed our soldiers at the Crimea. They shrank not from duty that meant death, and many were laid to rest in white-crossed graves on the hill-side of Balaclava. So nobly did they acquit themselves, that on the return of the troops to Southampton the Commanding Officer ordered them to march by his side at the head of the regiments, and share in the welcome given by the Nation. Mary