The legend that Steve Parkes quotes above is also referred to in Neville Shute's novel 'No Highway,' where it is an article of faith (not Faith) of one of the main characters, a slightly mystic and eccentric scientist.
Good book, if dated. No criminals, spies, or graphic sex. Just ordinary folk in an extraordinary situation.

I've a faint memory of the 'Hosanna' Jerusalem hymn. Was it Catholic?