She Followed Him To Ireland

RAILWAY STATION—MUNICH, GERMANY

“Attention, please! The Tauern Express on track three to Ostende via Stuttgart, Mannheim, Bonn, Cologne, Brussels, is now departing. All aboard!” announced a voice over the loudspeaker. There is only one minute before the train’s departure.

The sultry air in the railway station is filled with noises, puffing engines, and steam whistles. Passengers with heavy bags are hurrying along the platform, forcing their way through the crowd, here and there knocking against people.

The conductor, who is watching the late arrivals disappearing into the compartments, has an annoyed expression on his face. Officious train employees walk up and down the platform making sure that every door of the train is shut.

A tall, slender man stands below a train window, bidding good-bye to a young couple. Nobody would guess that he is a priest. One would think he would be an artist. He wears a light trench coat and black framed glasses. His thick black hair is partly covered by a black beret. He has twisted a silk scarf around his neck and has turned up the collar of his coat.

Father Michael Schade, a member of the St. Ignatius Jesuit order, is thirty-three years old and holds a doctorate degree in art history and philosophy. His hands are deeply hidden in the coat pockets while he is talking to the Irish Jonny McManus and his German bride, Andrea Bender.

“All aboard! All aboard!” announces the same voice over the loudspeaker for the last time.

“Listen, Jonny!” Father Michael says lowly, a care-worn expression on his face, “be good to Andrea, understand?”

“Of course! I don’t know what you are talking about, old grumpy bear!” Jonny answers, shaking Father Michael’s hand.

“And you, Andrea! Whatever should happen in Ireland, remember, it always depends on how one handles the situation!”

Andrea looks startled at the Jesuit friend, apparently not understanding the meaning of his words either.

“Nothing is going to happen to us! Hope we don’t hear any complaints about you, Archangel Michael!” Jonny shouts, a broad grin on his face.

“Good luck! Auf Wiedersehn!” Father Michael says, stepping back.

The Tauern Express sets out quickly and is soon in full speed.

It carries Jonny McManus and Andrea Bender into an unknown destiny—Ireland.