A gangster convicted of several murders was awaiting the electric chair in the condemned call, and the prison chaplain made endless efforts to get him to the Sacraments, all in vain. "Go away - leave me alone," was the only response. Full of heartfelt compassion the priest sent up a lightning prayer to the Mother of God; then he said to the criminal:

"I'll go, then, but will you do me one little favor first?"

"All right, what is it?"

"Let us say together one Hail Mary!"

They began it together, but with the very first words the grace of repentance invaded the hardened heart; tears flowed from his eyes, he asked for confession and absolution, and died calmly with Our Lady's rosary in his hand and her name on his lips.