Ponderable Quote: Lieutenant Wibaux Recounts How the Most Blessed Sacrament Gives Life to the Zouaves

La Communion des Zouaves (1910)
by Lionel Royer (1852-1926)

Thanks to Brendan Cassell (Papal Zouave History @PapalZouaveUS) for bringing Rev. C. Du Coëtlosquet's book about Lt. Theodore Wibaux (1849-1882) and this highly affecting anecdote regarding the Papal Zouaves to our attention. Bl. Pius IX, pray for us!

Rennes, March 30 [1871]

This morning I went to Communion for the close of the retreat, as did all the men who are left of our regiment, with the General at their head. After such an act, it seems as if our forces were increased fourfold; we feel like giants, able to swallow all Montmartre at a single gulp. Our poor little regiment! always at death's door, and always returning to fresh life and more than renewed youth; it reminds me of the shrubs that are cut down in order that they may send out new and more vigorous shoots. You would hardly believe how strong the esprit de corps is amongst us and what wonders it works.*

* Reprinted from Theodore Wibaux: Pontifical Zouave And Jesuit by the Rev. C. Du Coëtlosquet, S.J., The Catholic Truth Society, 1887, p. 279