6th November, 1943

God didn’t approve of much praying...

Una Gioncada Haldane

Tyrone-native living in Italy during Mussolini's regime

We haven’t gone into this business* lightly. We know it’s a tremendous responsibility we’re facing, but I don’t see how I can risk less than the Italians who are doing so much for my countrymen […]

My mind was a blank with worry when suddenly I remembered an old Irishwoman who told me once when I was a child that God didn’t approve of much praying, so much that once, while she was praying fervently for guidance, God said to her quite crossly, “For God’s sake woman, quit praying and do it!” A clear though Irish answer.

* of transporting British servicemen.