THE BATTLE OF LEPANTO

 

WHEN?: October 7, 1591

WHAT?: A great naval battle.

WHO?: The Holy League and Christendom versus the Ottoman Empire and Turkish forces.

WHERE?: The northern edge of the Gulf of Corinth, off western Greece.

WHY?: The Ottoman Empire and the Turkish forces wanted to take over Rome. 

VICTORY: The Catholic Allies.

HOW WAS IT WON?: Even though the Christian forces had the victory in the end, they began with a large disadvantage due to their adversaries having more ships and grander forces. Knowing that the Christians did not have the advantage, Saint Pope Pius V called for all of Europe to pray the Rosary for victory. Through the rosary, they asked Mary to intercede for them that they might win the battle. 

Considering the victorious outcome of the Catholics over their enemies, Padre Pio was so right when he said, "The Rosary is the weapon."

During the hour of victory, Saint Pope Pius V - who was hundreds of miles away at the Vatican and who could not have known the results of the battle - is said to have gotten up from a meeting, went over to a window, and exclaimed: "The Christian fleet is victorious!"

The Battle of Lepanto was at first celebrated liturgically as "Our Lady of Victory." Later, the feast of October 7th was renamed "Our Lady of the Rosary" and extended throughout the Universal Church by Pope Clement XI in 1716. 

I encourage you to witness the power of the Holy Rosary yourself. Just as Mary helped achieve a victory for the Christian Allies, ask her to win a victory for Christ within your own heart.