Praying for Our Nation’s Future with Our Lady of Victory

On October 7, we commemorate the decisive victory of the Holy League over the Muslim forces in the Battle of Lepanto in 1471. This victory, attributed to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is a powerful reminder of the strength we can draw directly from God’s maternal protector.

Reflecting on Our Lady’s Intercession

The Battle of Lepanto is not just a historical event; it is a testament to the power of prayer and the intercession of Our Lady of Victories, now celebrated as Our Lady of the Rosary Feast Day. Pope Leo XIII emphasized the role of prayer and devotion to Mary, recounting how Pope St. Pius V rallied Christian princes and faithful to pray the Rosary, leading to a miraculous victory with minimal losses.

This event is historically significant as it marked a crucial moment in the defense of Christendom against the Ottoman Empire and its Muslim forces.

Pope Leo XIII in his encyclical Supremi Apostolatus Officio emphasizes that Catholics have historically turned to Mary in times of crisis, seeking her maternal goodness and intercession. Her favor and power with her Son are unparalleled; her intercession can lead to divine assistance in overcoming adversities faced by nations.

A Call to Action

What brought the naval force to victory for the Holy League in the Battle of Lepanto? They stood ready for battle, fortified by the spiritual support of Pope Pius V and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Just as Pope Leo XIII emphasized, they did not flinch in the face of their adversaries. Today, we too must stand firm—unyielding to those who seek to obscure the truth. Let us not retreat or remain silent even though that is the easiest path; instead, let our virtue and commitment to the Light guide us, as Pope Leo XIII wisely cautioned.  The enemy will crumble because they lack virtue, but to succeed the enemy must be faced.

Today, we face different battles. While the 15th century saw naval ships in combat, our fight is with ideas and words and with the principalities of darkness. The silence of Catholics in the public square is alarming. With just a few words of truth proclaimed, false notions will vanish. We must not withdraw from the enemy or remain silent when truth is under attack. 

When Catholics step out and gather publicly to pray, with one powerful Rosary, demons are sent fleeing.

Do we realize how powerful we really are?  We have God and Our Blessed Mother on our side.

Questions for Reflection

We are in a crisis in America and desperately need Our Blessed Mother’s help. Let’s ask ourselves some questions:

• Are Catholics more devout today than they were 20 years ago?
• Is our priesthood thriving?
• Are Catholic Churches protected in our country?
• Are prolifers free to pray and save the unborn under their First Amendment rights without fear of arrest or persecution?
• Is life protected from conception to natural death?
• Is marriage honored and celebrated between one man and one woman?
• Is fatherhood and the patriarchy honored and revered?
• Are parents’ rights defended and protected in this country?
• Are children protected from harm and indoctrination?
• Do we successfully defend this great land’s democratic republic and its religious liberties as we did at its founding?
• Ultimately, do we safeguard the dignity of every human being?

If you answered no to these questions, then I ask a provocative question: Have we brought this chaos in our country on ourselves? Has our timidity and/or tepid hearts led to a nation under siege?

“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold, nor hot. I would thou wert cold, or hot.” – Revelation 3:15

Inspiration from Saints

We can take back our country, even from its current state. Let’s look at three saints who transformed their faith and the Church to make remarkable impacts:

• Saint Augustine of Hippo: From a life of sin to becoming one of the most influential theologians in Christianity.
• Saint Athanasius: Known for his defense of the Nicene Creed against Arianism, despite facing significant opposition and exile.
• Saint Thérèse of Lisieux: From a shy individual to a bold proclaimer of the Gospel, her “Little Way” emphasizes simplicity, trust, and love.  She is a now a Doctor of the Church.

In moments like these, ordinary Catholics are molded into extraordinary saints. Authentic Catholicism demands effort, especially during challenging times. As the last bastion of freedom and a reservoir for Christianity, America holds a sacred responsibility. Let us not squander the blessings God has bestowed upon us.

Join Us in Prayer

Whether we are fearful, distracted, or shy, we can overcome these weaknesses by the grace of God. Let us take up our rosaries and move into the public square of prayer.

Join us on October 7 for a prayer march around the Indiana State Capitol.

Click here to learn more.

We ask Our Lady to save our country which has departed from the ways of her Son.  We ask Our Lady to consecrate the integrity of the upcoming election and its outcome so that what is spiritually and morally best for the American citizens may be accomplished.  We ask that all those who are elected would govern according to her Son’s teachings.  We will pray that God grants citizens the grace so they will choose leaders according to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

If you are elsewhere, use this prayer program to meet at your local State Capitol and call upon Our Lady of Victory to declare victory for Christendom in our land.

Put on the Armour of God

“Put you on the armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the deceits of the devil. For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places. Therefore, take unto you the armour of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and to stand in all things perfect.” – Ephesians 6:11-13