The Spirit of Lepanto

In his splendid post yesterday on the feast of Our Lady of Victory, Fr. Angelo links to his essay on the "Spirit of Lepanto," saying:

It was a time for heroism, but there were few heroes. It was time to rally under the banner of Christ the King and His Holy Mother, but only a remnant of Christian soldiers were prepared thus to fight. These were led by the twenty-four year old bastard son of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, and half-brother to Philip II, King of Spain, by name Don John of Austria. He was among the few. He stood up and was counted. Don John was the human side of the victory of the Christian fleet at the Battle of Lepanto, October 7, 1571. He was the instrument used by Our Lady of Victory that makes us still remember the fateful event that took place over four-hundred years ago. Every year Catholics celebrate the Feast of the Holy Rosary (formerly the Feast of Our Lady of Victories) because of the triumph at Lepanto. This brief essay is a reflection upon the spirit of the Catholic resistance at Lepanto, led by Don John under the direction of the Church. This resistance saved Christendom and secured for Western Europe the free practice of the faith. It is a spirit that needs to be recaptured and reinvigorated for our time. It is the spirit of Marian-Chivalry....

The Battle of Lepanto is a parable of Marian Chivalry. A true historical event of the past, it is also a pattern for the future, and an encouragement to those who must face the challenges to the Christian order....

Our Lady of Victories is the Queen of Courtesy, and conquers with love and mercy. The great knights of old, like St. Louis of France were gentlemen, who protected the weak and showed courtesy to all. But in defense of the common good, they were quick and devastating in action.

We will learn both courtesy and prowess from Our Lady Herself. The recognition of the Immaculate Virgin as the Mother of Fair Love, the Icon and personification of all that is true, good, and beautiful, which God has given us through his omnipotent creating power, is necessary to the restoration of Christian Culture and common sense. What is not worth fighting and dying for is not worth living for. On the other hand, only that which is beautiful and worthy can be a true motive for honorable behavior. The militant spirit and the truly courteous spirit are one and the same. This is the Spirit of Lepanto....

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