In 1570, Sultan Selim II was the ruler of the Ottoman Empire. He was a drunk whose favorite wine came from Cypress, and so he sent his troops to take the island. They killed the Christian adults, sent the children back to Turkey to be used as slaves, and planned to use Cypress as a base to attack Rome and all of Europe. Pope Pius V called the Holy League into action, and before setting sail the men spent three days fasting, going to Confession, praying, and receiving the Eucharist. After sailing for almost a month, on this day a fleet of ships from each side met in the Gulf of Lepanto for an epic naval battle. Though outnumbered, the Holy League was victorious, and Christendom saved.
CHALLENGE
During the lead-up to the Battle of Lepanto, St. Pope Pius V asked the Christian faithful to pray the Rosary and seek the intervention of the Blessed Mother. During the battle, at a decisive moment the winds shifted in favor of the Holy League. We need the Blessed Mother’s help to shift the winds as we fight against abortion. Today pray the Rosary with this intention, and encourage your family and friends to do the same.
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