September 12, 1683
15,000 Christians defeat
300,000 Muslims at Vienna
King John Sobieski, King
of Poland, arrives just in time with canons and mounted hussars wearing wings
of eagle feathers
Christians give thanks to
Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary
Pope extends Feast of the
Most Holy Name of Mary to entire church in celebration
This feast is a counterpart to the Feast of the Holy Name of
Jesus (January 3); both have the possibility of
uniting people easily divided on other matters.
The feast of the Most Holy
Name of Mary began in Spain in 1513 and in 1671 was extended to all of
Spain and the Kingdom of Naples. In 1683, John Sobieski, king of
Poland, brought an army to the outskirts of Vienna to stop the advance of
Muslim armies loyal to Mohammed IV in Constantinople. After Sobieski entrusted
himself to the Blessed Virgin Mary, he and his soldiers thoroughly defeated the
Muslims. Pope Innocent XI extended this feast to the entire Church.
Comment:
Mary always points us to God, reminding us of God's infinite goodness. She
helps us to open our hearts to God's ways, wherever those may lead us. Honored
under the title “Queen of Peace,” Mary encourages us to cooperate with Jesus in
building a peace based on justice, a peace that respects the fundamental human
rights (including religious rights) of all peoples.
Quote:
“Lord our God, when your Son was dying on the altar of the cross, he gave us as
our mother the one he had chosen to be his own mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary;
grant that we who call upon the holy name of Mary, our mother, with confidence
in her protection may receive strength and comfort in all our needs” (Marian
Sacramentary, Mass for the Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary).
