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Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 25/3
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Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Mar 20, 2010 11:27 am ]
Post subject:  Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 25/3
“....Have any of you heard of Luigia di Ferrara?”
“Isn’t her name on the Honours Board at Plas Howell?” Gay asked.
Jo nodded. “It is. Did you ever look to see why it’s there, though?
No one had, so Jo enlightened them. “Luigia was at school with me. Actually she was a year or two older, and a prefect when I was a Middle. She entered the Poor Clares a year or two after she left school, and was received as a novice about eighteen months later. She was transferred to a German convent, and-well; she died in a concentration camp.”
The Chalet School and the Island

“Now,” said the SS Officer with a cold smile. “You have betrayed the Fuhrer and must be punished for your crimes.”
The nuns stood quietly, gazing back at the SS Officer. Ten Jews stood in the corner, frightened, knowing there was no where to run.
“Now,” repeated the SS Officer putting his revolver down on the table , “you,” and he roughly pulled on of the nuns forward, “you will shoot these Jewish vermin,” and he spat in their direction, “or they will be pulled apart, limb by limb.”

Sister Agnes looked on in horror. Sister Francis was the gentlest, most timid one of all the nuns.
Sister Francis shook her head, “Nein,” she said looking desperately not at the SS Officer but at Mother Superior.
“Alright then,” said the SS Officer and he pulled the toddler out of his mother’s arms.
“You’re a lovely boy,” he said tickling him under his chin. The toddler gurgled and swung out his arms. The SS Officer suddenly tipped him upside down and started hitting the toddlers head against the wall.
Sister Agnes did not know what was worse, the toddlers terrified screams, that slowly died or the mother’s anguished face as she tried desperately and hopelessly to rescue her son. Another SS Officer started hitting her until tears were mixed with blood and Sister Agnes snatched the gun and shot the baby and then his mother. Silence fell upon the group and Sister Agnes looked numbly at the two people she had shot.
“Good,” the SS Officer almost hissed, “now finish the job or the others will go the same way.”
Sister Agnes saw the beseeching face of the father holding onto his eight and six year old sons. ‘Please Sister,’ his eye’s seem to beg, ‘let it be you who ends our lives, not him; not that way.’
Sister Agnes swallowed hard-‘do you know what you’re asking of me,’ she thought silently; gave a half nod and squeezed the trigger four more times, before another gun was thrust into her hands and she ended the final four lives.

Sister Agnes dropped the gun and started to shake uncontrollably.
‘What is that?’ she thought numbly and realised Sister Frances was gazing at her, grief and guilt etched on her face; she was singing, Ava Maria.
Her voice soared, somehow reaching through Sister Agnes’s numbed state, a prayer for those dead in the room.
“Stop,” shouted the SS Officer in rage and slapped Sister Frances across the face with the butt of his gun. Shy, gentle, timid Sister Frances kept singing, defiance blazing in her eyes. It was only when Mother Superior gently touched her arm and shook her head that her voice died away.
“Go,” said the SS Officer with menace in his voice-“no not you Sister as Sister Agnes turned to leave-you will stay here.”
Luigia curled up in the corner, shaking uncontrollably through the night.
‘Hail Mary Mother of God,’ she cried silently, ‘God, please? God?’ And the dark silence enveloped her.

A nun once told me that they were given new names when they entered. I have given Luigia the name of Sister Agnes.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Mar 20, 2010 12:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story
That was spine-chillingly horrifying, and so well written. Thankyou. I really don't know what to say, I'm breathless.
Author:  cal562301 [ Sat Mar 20, 2010 1:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story
Thank yuu Fiona. Very powerful. Don't know what else to say. Like Ariel, it took my breath away.
Author:  ammonite [ Sat Mar 20, 2010 1:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story
Very powerful, it sent shivers down my spine. Thanks
Author:  Abi [ Sun Mar 21, 2010 12:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story
:cry: Thanks Fiona.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Mar 21, 2010 11:01 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 21/3
The next morning Luigia was driven to the train station by the SS Officer.
“Good bye Sister,” he said amused and Luigia was shoved into a carriage, normally used for transporting livestock; along with so many other people. For six days the train wended its way through the countryside; six cramped, thirsty, uncomfortable days, before the train finally stopped.
‘Mother Superior, Sister Frances,’ thought Luigia as she desperately looked around the throngs of people.
Dogs barked and whips cracked as the people were divided into two groups. Sister Agnes saw the same SS Officer direct a group of nuns into a different group.
‘Mother Superior,’ she thought with wild hope when she saw the familiar dress and wimple and then hope died.
‘Dear God what had she done?’
“Mother,” she whispered, “Forgive me please,” as she started to turn away, not able to face the condemnation she knew would be on their faces.
“Sister Agnes,” a voice came, sweet and clear and Sister Agnes turned unable to refuse this woman anything. “Sister Agnes,” said Mother Superior standing looking Sister Agnes full in the face, “compassion does not require forgiveness.”
Sister Agnes turned back, “I’m so sorry,” she half sobbed.
“I know my child,” said Mother Superior with certainty and the warmth of her gentle smile somehow started to warm Sister Agnes, as she heard a voice start to sing.
Sister Frances’s voice soared above the shouts, the weeping as families were separated and the fear that laced everyone’s hearts. It felt as though heaven had reached down and touched them. Ava Maria.
A gun shot cracked like thunder and Sister Frances fell where she was walking and for a moment the peace and loveliness of the singing was broken until all the nuns started humming the song as they continued their way towards the gas chambers and died.
Luigia was in the other group and walked towards an entrance with the simple words above it:
ARBEIT MACHT FREE!: Work sets you free!
Luigia looked at the sign; “God?” She asked numbly.
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Mar 21, 2010 12:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story
Thank you for writing this, Fiona.
Author:  shesings [ Sun Mar 21, 2010 1:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story
This is just so beautifully and movingly written, Fiona, and so possible.

It was part of the evil Nazi creed not just to torture and kill their victims but sometimes to force them to choose the lesser of two evils. Poor Luigia shot these poor people to save them from the most horrible and agonising deaths at the peril of her immortal soul though God would understand in the same way as Mother Superior did.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Mar 21, 2010 2:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story
I hope that she can keep her faith, even in the difficulties of the situation as horrible as this one. Thankyou.
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Sun Mar 21, 2010 4:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story
This is a powerful piece of writing, Fiona. Unfortunately what you describe is so typical of the sort of thing which happened, both before people reached Auschwitz and once they arrived there.

I know that the anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz is in January, but next Wednesday, in the Jewish calendar, marks the anniversary of the start of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising. Your story is yet another reminder of why we must 'never forget'.

Thank you.
Author:  PaulineS [ Sun Mar 21, 2010 4:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story
thanks you Fiona this is so moving and so realistic.
Author:  MaryR [ Sun Mar 21, 2010 5:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story
This reminds me of the fate of Fr Maximilian Kolbe in Auschwitz, who in 1941 chose to take the place of another inmate who was among a group of 10 men chosen to be locked into an underground bunker and starved to death, in reprisal for another inmate's escape. Kolbe led the condemned men in prayer and the singing of hymns the whole time, and was the only left alive a week later. At which point the authorities had him put to death with an injection of carbolic acid. He was made a Saint in 1981.

I have a feeling that Luiga is going to show us the same courage - indeed, she has already done so.

Thank you, Fiona, for such a moving tale.
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Mar 21, 2010 6:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story
In the face of such evil I only hope i would have the same courage.


Thank you Fiona.
Author:  MaryR [ Sun Mar 21, 2010 6:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story
Lesley wrote:
In the face of such evil I only hope i would have the same courage.


I know I wouldn't, Lesley! :cry:
Author:  Amanda M [ Sun Mar 21, 2010 8:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story
I found the beginning very hard to read (and I mean that as a sincere compliment) having a small child myself. This is very powerful reading. Thank you for writing this Fiona, it can't be easy.
Author:  cal562301 [ Sun Mar 21, 2010 10:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story
Thank you for writing this powerful and moving story.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Mar 22, 2010 7:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story
“Sister Agnes,” shouted a voice and Luigia turned to see a woman running towards her. “Did they, are they? Are the others here?” She asked breathlessly. Luigia shook her head, unable to speak the words and turned and looked at the building that never ceased to blow smoke from it. Maria’s face darkened when she realised all the nuns were dead, along with all the Jewish people the nuns of Poor Clare were offering shelter to. Maria started to turn away and then hesitated,
“Sister,” she said hesitantly.
“I’m sorry,” said Luigia trying to wake from her benumbed state she was in. She had spent days trudging to work, standing at roll call and doing whatever she was told automatically, unable to think.
“I’m sorry,” she repeated, trying to focus on the woman’s face.
“Sister Agnes,” she said gently, touching her arm. “You probably don’t remember me but my name is Maria. I was the housekeeper for the Cardinal.”
“Is he?” asked Luigia hardly daring to hope.
“He was safe the last time I saw him,” said Maria with an odd look on his face, “Sister Agnes?”
And Luigia looked up. “I’m sorry to ask you, but I need help,” and Maria swallowed. “My bunk mates are in trouble and I don’t know who to turn to. Szeren is 15 years old and her mother is ill. She was hit across the head with a shovel in the quarry and now the wounds have turned septic, she’s dying, please will you come?”
“I don’t know,” began Sister Agnes stunned and then changed it to, “take me to her, please.”
Szeren and her mother were sitting of the ground and Szeren had her mother cradled against her.
“Maria,” she said worriedly.
“Szeren, what is your mother doing here?” asked Maria concerned.
“They’re.... they said... they said every four weeks they exterminate anyone in the hospital,” gasped Szeren.
“The guards said that?” asked Maria stunned.
“No, the other prisoners, the one’s, who have been here longer,” gasped Szeren in short breaths, “I can’t.... I don’t want to lose Mummy. Please.”
Luigia squatted beside the delirious woman and took a hot hand in hers. ‘I don’t know nursing,’ thought Luigia frantically, but even her inexperienced eyes could see the woman was dying.
She looked up at Maria and closed her eyes briefly; Maria knew the woman was dying.
‘What are you asking of me? I'm not a Nun, any more. How can I be after what I've done,' thought Luigia.
“Mrs…” she looked enquiringly at Maria.
“Lani,” whispered the woman through dry cracked lips. “Who are you?”
“Lani,” said Luigia trying to smile at the woman. “I’m…”
“This is Sister Agnes,” interrupted Maria as Luigia was about to say, Luigia di Ferrara.
‘I’m not Sister Agnes,’ she thought, ‘Sister Agnes has died back at the convent.’
“She’s a nun,” went on Maria unconscious of Luigia’s thoughts.
“My baby,” whispered Lani, “Szeren?”
And Luigia could see the worry in her eyes for her daughter.
“I promise you Lani, on my own life that I will take care of your daughter,” said Luigia gently, seeing not Szeren, but all the Jews she couldn’t save.
“We both will,” promised Maria.
“No,” whimpered Szeren.
“Szeren,” said Luigia softly and held both Lani and Szeren in her embrace. Maria kept an eye out for the guards as loitering was considered sabotage, punishable by death.
Finally, Luigia could see Lani take her last breath and died.
“No,” whimpered Szeren clinging to Luigia
“Guards coming,” said Maria in a strained voice
Luigia didn’t say anything; instead she forcibly lifted Szeren to her feet and moved her away
Szeren looked back uncomprehendingly, mewing like a wounded animal.
‘Oh God,’ thought Luigia, ‘what kind of place is this?’
‘Hail Mary, Queen of Grace, blessed art thou. God?’ she prayed desperately.
Author:  Alison H [ Mon Mar 22, 2010 8:45 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 22/3
Thanks Fiona: this must be hard to write.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Mar 22, 2010 8:52 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 22/3
Her hesitation about her identity is understandable, but I hope that she can find a way to realise that she is still a good person, she is just stuck in horrendous circumstances. Thankyou.
Author:  JB [ Mon Mar 22, 2010 11:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 22/3
Thank you for this, Fiona. It is so very difficult to read and so moving.
Author:  2nd Gen Fan [ Mon Mar 22, 2010 12:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 22/3
This is so moving and so well written, thank you.
Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Mar 22, 2010 1:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 22/3
Thanks Fiona. Luigia has kept her faith, I hope she can find a sense of peace and forgiveness soon,
Author:  JellySheep [ Mon Mar 22, 2010 3:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 22/3
This is deeply shocking, but also deeply moving. It's so sad that we know what happens to Luigia. Thanks
Author:  Abi [ Tue Mar 23, 2010 12:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 22/3
Thanks Fiona; you have brought tears to my eyes. I can't imagine ever being in such a situation or having such courage if I were.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Mar 23, 2010 2:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 22/3
Luigia and Maria both kept a close eye on Szeren refusing to allow her ever to be left alone. The girl wandered around in a daze clinging to the two women who were so kind to her. Luigia soon developed a reputation amongst the inmates. She returned their dignity in death saying the Jewish prayers for the dead. She treated everyone with kindness in a place where no one expected to find any.
“Why?” asked Hannah on of the two Jewish sisters who had attached themselves to Luigia, Maria and Szeren.
“She’s a nun,” answered Maria, seeing Sister Agnes unable to answer.
“How do you know the Jewish prayers, then?” asked Sarah.
“An elderly rabbi taught me,” answered Luigia quietly her gaze far away as she saw in her mind’s eye an elderly gentleman with twinkling blue eyes.
“No Sister, this is how you say it,” and gently but firmly repeated the words. He had looked at her with such compassion as she had pulled the trigger for the last time, and Luigia shuddered.
‘Hail Mary, blessed art thou. Father God, please,’ but all Luigia saw and heard was the darkness that had enveloped her since she left Poor Clare.

“Los, los,” said a guard cracking his whip and everyone fell into line.
“Every one of you will be shot,” said the SS guard. “None of you will leave. Sabotage!”
The inmates looked in horror. Who did this? They had worked in the quarry all day.
“One tool is missing,” said the SS guard, his voice soft, nevertheless it carried real menace. “Someone is responsible and if that person doesn’t come forward, then all will be exterminated.”
Sister Agnes could feel Szeren shaking uncontrollably beside her.
She could hear the strains of Ava Maria, hear Sister Francis’ voice singing
“Take care of her,” said Luigia looking at Maria for one last time, “please,” and stepped forward.
The song swirled around her, enveloping her.
“It was me,” she said
“You,” said the SS guard with a slow cruel smile and Luigia fell to the ground as the whip cracked over her.
‘Dear God please,’ begged Luigia, “please,” and could hardly believe what she heard; the unearthly music and Mother Catherine walking towards her.
“Mother,” she whispered
“It is time, Sister Agnes,” said Mother Catherine reaching out her hands
“But, those people...those Jewish people I killed. How can I ever be forgiven?” whispered Luigia
“He forgives all, it is forgotten in the deep sea of forgetfulness,” said Mother Catherine smiling a smile so bright and illuminating that Luigia felt almost blinded by the light.
Sister Agnes reached up her hand and went home.
The SS guard cracked his whip one last time.
“File out,” barked the SS guard and the women filed off-alive

The four friend’s Maria, Szeren, Hannah and Sarah huddled together. Except for Szeren’s silent weeping no one said or did anything. They lay on their tier staring up at the slates above them.
The next morning they stood at Roll Call and the guard collected the group for work in the quarry. They trudged their in silence, still numbed by the events of the day before. They had been threatened with death and this morning they were still alive. The morning’s cold caused their breath to be like fine mist. The shovels were handed out one by one and the women stood in line waiting for work. There was one shovel left over. The guard looked at it uneasily as the sentence blew down the line, like a cold splash of water slapping them awake. Hope and joy struggled to find a place in their hearts as the women realised the beautiful, precious gift, Sister Agnes had given them. They were alive, alive for another day.
Author:  Alison H [ Tue Mar 23, 2010 8:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 23/3
I don't know what to say, but thanks again for writing this.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Mar 23, 2010 9:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 23/3
Thankyou for letting us know that she was forgiven.
Author:  cal562301 [ Tue Mar 23, 2010 9:53 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 23/3
Incredibly moving. I'm lost for words. Thank you.
Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Mar 23, 2010 8:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 23/3
Thank you. Thank you for letting us see her receiving forgiveness and reward.
Author:  Abi [ Wed Mar 24, 2010 12:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 23/3
Thank you, Fiona.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Wed Mar 24, 2010 12:27 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 23/3
They were finally free. Maria gazed around her wearily.
“Where are you going now?” she asked Sarah and Hannah.
They had been beautiful young women of 19 and 17 when they had arrived and now it was 2 years later, and they were free.
“Munich,” said Sarah, “maybe Daddy and Aaron are still alive,” and she gave a twisted smile. She and Hannah had watched their Mother and Aunt, walk towards the gas chambers, “what about you?”
“Italy,” and the word came from somewhere deep within. “Sister Agnes was originally from Italy. I would like to tell her family of what she did,” answered Maria.
“And Szeren?” Asked Hannah
“She’ll come with me,” said Maria firmly, she paused, “she only had her mother. Her Father died in Russia, before they fled from there and she doesn’t have any other family. Neither do I.”
“Who knows,” said Sarah half turning, “maybe we’ll see you in Italy.”
And Maria understood-only if Sarah and Hannah no longer had any family left would Maria and Szerene see the two girls again.
“I hope,” began Maria and then stopped.
“I know,” said Sarah with the same twisted smile.

It was a long journey and Sarah and Hannah silently rejoined them just before they entered Italy.
The four looked at each other. “Daddy’s dead,” said Sarah baldly, “he died in the gas chamber.”
“And Aaron?” asked Maria softly.
“Died at the Russian front, they think, no one knows for sure,” shrugged Sarah.
Maria closed her eyes briefly, attempting to close out the pain buried in Sarah’s voice. “To Italy we go then,” she said at last.

The four finally arrived in Naples; a Naples almost flattened by the war. Maria led her small group and knocked on the door of a home, just outside the city. It had been badly damaged and yet Maria could see signs of life, of rebuilding that were taking place.
“Yes?” questioned a woman who answered the door.
“Please,” said Maria, “we were friends of Sister Agnes or Luigia di Ferrara, and we are trying to find her family.”
The woman stared and suddenly turned around, “Mamma,” she called and went into a torrent of Italian.
“Please,” she said breathlessly, “please come in. Someone, somehow, got a message to us, that she died in a concentration camp.
The woman led them into a small room, where an older woman and some children were playing.
“My name is Bianca di Ricci. I am Luigia’s sister and this is Signora di Ferrara, our Mamma. Papa died in the war and my husband is helping to rebuild the city. This is my eldest, Guilia and my two boys Luigi and Taro.”

The four women sat down. They could see the ravages of War etched in the women and children before them; in the weariness of the women and the watchful wariness of the three children.

Maria told them of the sacrifice, their daughter made to save their lives. She could not, would not tell them how Luigia ended up in the concentration camp; how she had been betrayed by the archbishop, who afraid for his own life and of losing his position, told the Nazi’s what the nuns had been doing. Maria had overheard the conversation and terrified she had slipped out of the house after curfew and in the dark to warn the nuns of the danger they were now in. She had arrived minutes before the Nazi, too late for the nuns to protect those they were hiding. Maria had managed to hide and saw Sister Agnes shoot the Jews to save them from a slow and tortuous death.
Maria had been betrayed by the same Archbishop. He had been horrified by her actions and given her to the Nazi’s himself. Maria’s throat was tight and she was nearly drowning in her anger and rage. Only Szeren prevented her from being swallowed by it; shy, fragile Szerene, who struggled with being alive.

Bianca plied them with what little food she had, her face wet with tears. “You have no idea what this means to us, to meet Luigia’s friends, especially those who were with her in her final hours. Thank you, thank you so much for this.”
Author:  Alison H [ Wed Mar 24, 2010 8:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 24/3
I'm glad they were able to find Bianca, and hope that being able to talk about Luigia will help all of them.
Author:  Mona [ Wed Mar 24, 2010 10:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 24/3
Thank you Fiona. This is so very moving.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Mar 24, 2010 3:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 24/3
It was lovely of them to find Bianca.
Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Mar 24, 2010 3:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 24/3
Thank you. I have no more words
Author:  MaryR [ Wed Mar 24, 2010 10:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 24/3
Have just caught up with this, Fiona, and am reminded of how many others were as brave as Luigia - and how many would betray even their friends to save their own skins, like the Cardinal. Wonder if it did him any good, in the long run?

Thank you.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Mar 25, 2010 6:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 25/3
“And I,” said Miss Annersley, will give one [stained window] in memory of all those girls who have been called to Higher Service during the years.”
Excitements at the Chalet School
Vases of them[Madonna lilies]. had been placed before the statues of the Blessed Virgin, St Joseph and St Clare- this last being given to the chapel in memory of one of the first of the Chalet School girls who had been a Poor Clare and died in a concentration camp during the war. Guilia di Ricci who placed the flowers was a niece of hers and her eyes grew misty as she thought of the aunt she had never known except by hearsay.
“I wish Zia Luigia had lived to know of this,” she said to Miss Wilson........ “Mamma told me she thought so much of the school and she was so happy to be a member of it.”
“And don’t you think, Guilia, that she does know about it?” Miss Wilson said quietly. “I do. I think that besides those who will fill our two chapels tomorrow when they are consecrated, there will be a crowd of unseen worshipers, rejoicing to know that we have them at last.”
The tears that had filled Guilia’s eyes never fell. She turned to the head her face glowing. “Ah! But that will be wonderful!” she said.
Ruey Richardson-Chaletian

Many years later…
Rosalie Dene was busy typing. It sometimes felt as though her correspondence was never ending. She slapped the last letter down and sighed.
‘Thanks goodness that’s done,’ she thought. She stood and was about to collect a cup of coffee for herself and take a break, when there was a knock at the door.
“Come in,” said Rosalie wondering who would be here to see her as Hilda was teaching. A maid entered with six women.
“Excuse me, mein fraulein,” said the maid. “These women wish to speak with you.”
“Thank you Miggi,” said Rosalie with a smile and Miggi withdrew.
“How may I help you?” asked Rosalie.
“Rosalie Dene?” asked one of the women.
“Yes,” said Rosalie slightly puzzled.
Bianca di Ricci gave a tremulous smile. “My name is Bianca di Ricci. Guilia said there was a stain glass window in commemoration of Luigia di Ferrara. I would like to see it.”
Rosalie Dene realised in a flash who Bianca was. She recognised her sister-in-law Vanna di Ricci standing next to her, as another old girl of the school but had no idea who the other women were.
“Certainly,” she said courteously, some instinct warning not to ask any questions or to invite anyone else along. “Please come this way.”
The six women followed Rosalie through the school to Our Lady of Snow chapel and unlocked the doors.
“Please take your time,” she said softly and slipped in the back pew, allowing the women their privacy.
The six women huddled together as they walked to the stain glass window, before finally stopping at the one that had a simple plaque underneath. This window is dedicated to all the girls of the Chalet School who have gave their lives to a Higher Calling:
Luigia di Ferrara

They stood in silence until Vanna di Ricci started to sing

Ave Maria Gratia plena
Maria Gratia plena
Maria Gratia plena
Ave, ave dominus
Dominus tecum

Benedicta tu in mulieribus
Et benedictus
Et benedictus fructus ventris
Ventris tui Jesus

Ave Maria
Ave Maria Mater dei
Ora pro nobis pecatoribus
Ora, ora pro nobis
Ora ora pro nobis pecatoribus

Nunc et in hora mortis
In hora mortis, mortis nostrae
In hora mortis nostrae
Ave Maria!


Rosalie listened to the simple, yet beautiful song, which was sung like a prayer. When the song ceased, Rosalie could feel the women’s stark grief move through the building in silence. The six women moved towards the door.
“Thank you,” said one of the women who up until that moment had remained silent. “You’re welcome,” said Rosalie quietly and her gaze fell on the number tattooed on the women’s wrist: 6298742. An inexplicable grief crept over Rosalie as she realised who these women were.
“Would you like some lunch?” asked Rosalie, her throat tight. The women shook their heads.
“No, thank you,” said Bianca after a glance at the women and five of them started moving away.
Vanna remained behind after Bianca had given her look.
“Vanna isn’t it?” queried Rosalie when the women were out of earshot.
“Yes,” nodded Vanna, looking tired. “Bianca wanted me to explain a little. She remembered you and Luigia had been friends at school.”
Rosalie led the way back to the small sitting room which she shared with Hilda Annersley.
“Please take a seat,” she said and organised for lunch to be sent to them.

“The four women, Maria, Szeren, Sarah and Hannah were with Luigia at Auschwitz,” explained Vanna softly, her grief heavy in her voice. “There was a spade missing and the whole group had been ordered for extermination. Luigia said she had taken it. They killed her. The next day, when the women returned, they discovered no spade was missing.”
Rosalie gasped in shock.
“From all they said, Luigia had supported and helped all the women in the camp, especially Szeren. She treated them with so much kindness, in a place where there was none,” Vanna paused looking into space, exhausted by the story, of all the events she had said and all the events she had left unsaid. “She gave them hope and dignity for their dead. They wanted to do something for her.”

“The women,” Rosalie ventured.
“They came to Italy after the War and told Bianca what had happened,” explained Vanna. “Bianca cared for them until they were able to pick up their lives again. Maria cares for Szeren. Szeren’s mother died in the camp. She has no one. They live near Bianca in Italy. Szeren,” and Vanna paused unable to explain how Szeren’s mind had never been the same since the War. “Sarah and Hannah live in Israel. One is a college professor, the other a doctor. They keep in touch. It’s the first time either have returned to Europe since they left.”
Silence descended between the two.
“Thank you so much for telling me,” Rosalie said at last. Vanna gave a tremulous smile and left.

Rosalie remained in contemplative silence all day. The service the women gave Luigia, stark and beautiful in its simplicity; and the horrors of the women’s story. Rosalie closed her eyes.
When she opened them, Hilda and Joey were in front of her.
“What is it Rosalie?” asked Hilda gently.
Briefly Rosalie explained and both Hilda and Joey closed their eyes as though to shut out the horrors they heard.
The three were silent, lost in their memories of Luigia, and of her grace.
“I just can’t believe it,” said Rosalie her voice heavy, with the weight of all she had heard and then told.
“I know,” said Joey softly, and she quoted those beautiful words: “Greater love hath no man, than he should give his life for his friends.”
“Amen,” said Hilda and Rosalie together in benediction.

The End
Author:  Lesley [ Thu Mar 25, 2010 7:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 25/3
Beautiful Fiona - even though you have me in tears.

Thank you
Author:  Alison H [ Thu Mar 25, 2010 8:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 25/3
You've got me in tears too. Thank you for writing this.
Author:  Mona [ Thu Mar 25, 2010 8:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 25/3
Thank you Fiona.
Author:  abbeybufo [ Thu Mar 25, 2010 10:52 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 25/3
This has been beautifully written all the way through, almost unbearable to read at times, and so very moving. Thank you.
Author:  Amanda M [ Thu Mar 25, 2010 11:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 25/3
Beautiful Fiona. Thank you.
Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Mar 25, 2010 12:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 25/3
Thank You Fiona
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Thu Mar 25, 2010 1:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 25/3
Fiona, in telling Luiga's story, you have once again brought home to us the truth of Joey's final comment. I'm another sitting here with tears in my eyes.

I am also grateful for the way you have brought Luigia's link to the Chalet School full circle through this visit from her sister, sister-in-law and these 4 women who Luigia had helped before her death. You have given us, as well as those who knew Luigia when she was at school, the chance to learn how they have fared since the end of the War. You have also given these women the chance to see this permanent memorial to someone who gave her life to protect them and know that her memory will be preserved through it.

Thank you for an incredibly moving story.
Author:  cal562301 [ Thu Mar 25, 2010 1:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 25/3
Words somehow aren't enough, but thank you, Fiona, that was beautiful.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Mar 25, 2010 3:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 25/3
Thankyou.
Author:  2nd Gen Fan [ Fri Mar 26, 2010 12:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 25/3
This was so moving, and beautifully written. Thank you.
Author:  PaulineS [ Fri Mar 26, 2010 6:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 25/3
Fiona Thank you for a beautiful, sad and powerful series of postings. The story was moving and plausible from beginning to end. I was frequently in tears and could only saw thank you as I read it, but felt I had to come back and say more, however words are still hard to find to fit the postings.
Author:  Abi [ Sat Mar 27, 2010 1:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 25/3
Thank you Fiona.
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Mon Mar 29, 2010 2:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 25/3
Have just read this all the way through with tears in my eyes. Thank you.
Author:  brie [ Wed Apr 07, 2010 4:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 25/3
Thank you so much fiona. i don't know what else I can say..
Author:  La Petite Em [ Wed Apr 07, 2010 11:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 25/3
I don't know what to say :cry:. Thank-you, Fiona.
Author:  Elbee [ Wed May 05, 2010 10:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 25/3
So moving and beautifully written. Thank you, Fiona.
Author:  KJX [ Sun May 09, 2010 10:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Greater Love Hath no Man- Luigia di Ferrara's Story 25/3
Wonderful story. So strongly written. Brilliant insight.
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