Many years ago, tracting during my first weeks as a missionary in German-speaking Switzerland, my companion and I were finally admitted into an apartment. The family who lived in it were eastern Europeans, and devoutly Catholic. In fact, it soon became apparent they were unusually devoted to the Virgin Mary; their living room was decorated with several statues and images of the mother of Jesus. They weren't very receptive to our message, and so my companion (a relatively recent convert and — it must be said — a diligent and committed missionary who has since passed away) effectively launched into an attack on Mary.
