The Battle of Lepanto on 7 October 1571 was the largest naval engagement until Jutland in 1916. 40,000 dead in 4 hours. There are many famous battles, but most of them come no where near the significance of Lepanto for the history of Western Civilization.
And Our Lady brought the victory.
Through the intercession of Our Lady of Victory by the praying of the Holy Rosary, Western Civilization was preserved. Thus, today is celebrated as the Feast of the Holy Rosary.
Another miracle occurred that day. As the Battle raged, St. Pius V in Rome had a vision of the victory while he was visiting the headquarters of the Domincans on the Aventine Hill at Santa Sabina. The messenger bringing news of the victory would arrive a couple weeks later. You can visit the room where Pius received the message.
Please pray the Rosary today. Please add a prayer for me.
Sometimes you hear of the travelling statue of Our Lady of Fatima. She was just here in Madison.
I would like to see another statue travel!
A few years ago, according to an article in Spanish at ABC, the original statue of Our Lady given by Venice to don Juan de Austria – that was on the quarterdeck of his flagship (more properly “lantern galley”) at Lepanto – was rediscovered and was restored at the Spanish Navy Museum.
I could kick myself. When I was in Madrid last spring, I walked by this Museum every day! We were staying nearby. Next time.
Finally, read GK Chesterton’s Lepanto. UK HERE
Also, Fr. Rutler has a good explanation of the context of the Battle of Lepanto at the valuable Crisis. HERE