All because the hermit prayed before the image of the Virgin Mary

In the late 17^th century, a good hermit in the north of France was assailed by temptations. The demon said to him: “The torments that I am causing you are nothing in comparison with what you make me suffer. Swear to me that you won’t talk, and I will tell you what you must stop doing for me to leave you alone.”

The good hermit agreed, so Satan said to him: “I want you to stop looking at the image that you have in your cell!” This was the image of the Virgin Mary, before whom the hermit prayed. From that day, the good hermit prayed with increased fervor to Mary in front of her image!

The demon, discouraged, left him alone.

From Le Chapelet des Enfants (The Children’s Rosary)