23 MARCH - OUR MOTHER OF VICTORY OF LEPANTO

 The Battle of Lepanto was a naval war that took place between the ships of the Catholic Holy League and the navy of the Turks Empire. For hundreds of years the Ottoman Empire 

      had been making advances into Europe. Pope Pius V implored all of Christendom to pray the Rosary to the Blessed Virgin Mary to obtain her intercession before the throne of God 

      for their victory. The war took place on the 7th of October, 1571. The Turks had not lost any significant naval wars yet they were defeated. The battle was won through the power 

      of Mary, Our Lady of Victory. The news filled the Christian world with joy. In thanksgiving to the Mother of God for her help, glorious, solemn, pontifical ceremonies of gratitude 

      were held in the Basilica of Mary. After Lepanto, Pius V instituted the Feast of the Holy Rosary in Rome, and Clement XI extended it to the world. Mary, our Mother, the Queen 

      of Victory and of Peace, stands for our final victory for our peace. Mary will again crush the head of the serpent, and this time by means of her Rosary.





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