Our Lady Help of Christians 55" - 0295

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During the second half of the 16th century, the power of the Turks had become so great that the peace in Europe was threatened. Saint Pope Pius V was famous for his Christian fortitude and holy life, and caused the combined forced of Christendom to turn against the enemy - this was then called the Holy League. The Christians bravely advanced on the vast army that was the Turks and, placing their trust in the help of the Blessed Virgin, were shouting "Long Live Mary!" While the Holy Father was knelt praying before a picture of Our Blessed Lady, she suddenly appeared in a vision and told the Pope that the enemy had been defeated. At that point, Saint Pope Pius V then ordained that the invocation "Help of Christians" be added to the Litany of Loreto. 

Some years later, the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte took the Papal States and confined Pope Pius VII to prison, where he remained captive for five years. Our Lady once more came to the aid of her children, and the Emperor was forced to abdicate and was exiled to the island of Elba. The Holy Father returned to Rome in a triumphal procession. 

Feast day: 24th May