The situation for Christendom in 1571, by any measure was impossible. The resurgent Ottoman Empire was poised to invade Italy, march up the boot and finally crush the Christian world out of existence. The earliest Arab Muslim empires had been more civilized and tolerant, perhaps, but the converted Turks retained many of their brutal ways; and now the time had come to finally destroy Europe. Ali Pasha had gathered a large fleet and army, had overwhelmed many of the Mediterranean islands with vastly superior numbers and vicious cruelty and what they would do to Europe was a horror just to contemplate in its certain fierceness and in its inevitable scope. [By the way, no ‘anti-Muslim’ prejudice is intended in telling this particular story.]
Pope Pius V (the future Saint Pius V) was virtually alone in seeing the threat. Europe was much too engrossed in the fratricidal religious struggles of the Reformation and Counter-Reformation and the venal impulses of nationalism. He finally did prod Phillip II of Spain to provide some ships and men and the famous Admiral Andrea Doria of Genoa joined under the leadership of Don Juan de Asturias, half-brother of Phillip. This 24-year old ‘Don Juan’ was the very same original profligate high-liver we associate with that name. This neophyte’s chances at keeping the fractious, disorganized, vastly outnumbered alliance together at all were dim at best, and odds of his defeating the far more experienced and dominant Ottoman force were infinitesimal. Everyone frankly considered the last-ditch effort doomed from the start, and any honest appraisal could actually come to no other conclusion.
What does a believer do at a time when the situation is absolutely overwhelming and impossible? Jesus had said something may indeed be impossible for us, but for God nothing is impossible. He promised us the power of prayer could pierce circumstances of time and space. Pope Pius called on all the people of Rome to pray a novena of Rosaries. [The idea of a ‘Novena’ has its origins in the nine days that Mary & the Apostles prayed for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The Rosary has always been amazingly powerful, I think, because it is so accessible and simple, sums up what Christians believe and can engage all levels of prayer.] All went to their churches praying for nine days.
The forces of the ‘Holy League’ went to confront the Turkish fleet off the coast of Greece at a place called Lepanto. Turkish spies reported that crushing victory was inevitable. Andrea Doria hoisted the blessed image of Our Lady of Guadelupe which had been touched to the original miraculous image in Mexico. Don Juan called for the attack and at that moment the winds immediately turned to maximum effect. A series of more unforeseen and astounding events brought about the miraculous victory.
The Pope at that moment in Rome turned to his Cardinals and asked them to sing the Te Deum Laudamus for God had delivered the people. He said this though news was weeks away, for God Himself had somehow revealed it. Sure enough news came confirming the miracle. The Pope credited the act of faith by the people. From that time October 7 has been celebrated, now as ‘Our Lady of the Rosary’. Many historians regard Lepanto as the most momentous history-changing naval battle since Actium itself which created the Roman Empire. From that moment on, the Ottoman Empire began its long, steady decline into “the Sick Man of Europe” of latter days. It was impossible; but it happened.
Now we find ourselves in an impossible situation for our country. Most of the major powers-that-be are using every possible force, legal, illegal, nefarious and otherwise to foist upon us “The One” they have ordained. The media, the entertainment industry, millionaires, well-financed PR groups, ACORN, etc. etc. have declared the election of Obama inevitable.
The candidates for President and Vice President hold vastly disparate world views and visions for our country. So much that we as Americans hold dear and have fought to retain is subject to destruction if Obama is elected. Some examples, to name a few:
— Right to free speech vs. the “Fairness Doctrine”
— Free market economy Capitalism vs. Redistribution of wealth Socialism
— The Pursuit of Happiness vs. Taxes, taxes, taxes
— The inalienable Right to Life vs. the “Freedom of Choice Act”
What possible chance is there for those who still love freedom, the American ideal and independence? The answer remains the same. We must pray. I have heard of several groups beginning daily prayer chains. My wife and I are praying the Rosary and the Chaplet of Mercy every day in a deep way. When I saw a picture of John McCain with the same image of Our Lady of Guadalupe that won an impossible victory in 1571, it gave me hope. Hope when inspired by God’s will is unconquerable. Our Lady recently saved Mexico from a Marxist government. Perhaps it is God’s will that her Son save us now rather than later, and, hence, the entire world. Man proposes; God disposes. Let us truly turn to God and perhaps we may be delivered. Freedom isn’t free. It takes the total devotion of our lives and all we are. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord, won’t you?
This is a gorgeous Image of the Mother of Jesus w/ Jonny Mac, & Prayer for the Election,w/ info on Fasting should anyone choose to do so. http://weatheroutpost12.com/blogs/?page_id=172
I have been praying. I get weird good feeling when I do. Its like GOD is waiting for someone to pray for a miracle. He wants to give one, but you have to ask for it before he will give it.
Downloaded image.
I know that all prophesy must be realized before the Messiah is able to return…..I know that NOTHING IS GREATER THAN GOD’S WILL…..I am praying & fasting to the best of my abilities & HOPING FOR A MIRACLE. We are begging the Lord for a Miracle here @ the farm…for the sake of all the Unborn & all the Brethren w/special needs. Mary @ Medjugorje said that all aborted children are Angel babies w/ Her in Heaven, I asked the visionary Viska when i was there. Remember to call upon them to Pray w/ us.
Great post! Some may think it’s superficial to pray for a political victory, but I disagree. It isn’t the same as praying for, say, Notre Dame to win the national football championship (although they could use prayers, heh!). This is something that affects us all in profound ways. It is a culture of life vs. a culture of death. The Catholic hierarchy are more and more speaking out on this election. Though not by name, they make it clear that no Catholic in good conscience can vote for Obama, and since McCain is all that stands in his way, we must vote for McCain. Pray also for pro-life and pro-marriage propositions.
Thank you for this inspirational story…I too am praying hard and hope that the Good Lord hasn’t turned his back on us they way many have to him. Our culture has become so depraved, that even if McCain was to somehow pull this out, he will in the crosshairs of the same hateful evil vial groups that have marginalized and neutered GWB.
Part of me thinks that Obama losing is just putting off the inevitable because this country is not going to turn around under McCain and i’m not sure he can do anything about the coming economic tsunami.
Right now i just keep looking at the calendar and thinking to myself 15 days to doomsday, 12, 10 8….the closer it gets the more i’m left with a feeling of overwhelming dread for i know that life for all of us changes forever if Obama and the dems win it all. Never thought i would see this in my lifetime.
God Speed McCain/Palin.
KC,
Chin up, brother! Remember, no matter what happens here, if we are diligent in being on the Lord’s side and live in charity, we are ALWAYS on the WINNING side! Look at the back of the back – good wins!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MrK9-6LEpE
Our Lady of Medjugorje said ‘the attitude of the faithful towards what is coming is one of great HOPE because what is coming is the return of my Son!!’
Courage, Amigos!!!!!!!!!!! The Lord is coming.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MrK9-6LEpE
ONE MILLION WOMAN CALL A GREAT SUCCESS!
http://www.teamsarah.org:80/
Team Sarah Making History: With Surprise Guest – First Lady Laura Bush
America’s First Million Woman Townhall Unleashes Women Voters on Fire for McCain-Palin
Washington – Today, Team Sarah, a coalition of diverse women dedicated to advancing Governor Sarah Palin’s Vice Presidential candidacy hosted an historic Million Woman Townhall. “We are thrilled to have been able to reach so many women to discuss the issues that really matter in this election,” said Jeri Thompson, Team Sarah Co-Founder. “The participation of First Lady Laura Bush was a special motivator for thousands of women taking part in the historic Million Woman Townhall,” said Jane Abraham, Team Sarah Co-Founder and Million Woman Townhall moderator. “These women can ensure victory for John McCain and Sarah Palin on Election Day, and Team Sarah is excited to energize and activate them.” Today’s event was the largest telephone townhall meeting ever conducted.
Team Sarah contacted over one million women voters in battleground states — Minnesota, Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, New Mexico, Colorado, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
If you missed the call, you listen to the recording right here. Click here to listen on Townhall.com.
G.K. Chesterton wrote the famous poem Lepanto. Well worth reading.
http://chesterton.org/gkc/poet/lepanto.html
A bit of history trivia: The Turkish ships were aligned in a crescent formation. The pope’s armada joined the battle in a cross formation, with Don Juan leading the ships at the center. To his left, the ships under Barbarigo, to the right, Andrea Dorea, and to the rear, the Marquis of Santa Cruz.
The Cross triumphed over the Crescent.
I strongly suggest than we pass the word around: We MUST hold the Judge in the Berg lawsuit in contempt of the people and do all we can to hold him in violation of the his sworn obligation fto defend our Constitution, the Constitution of United States of America. If it becomes a criminal matter against the judge, so be it.
This is no trivial matter, for if the Courts fail to uphold the law, our Constitution — then there be no law for any one.
It is not rocket science and the judge knows that he has failed; first, to uphold the rights Not given to the Federal Government, not given to the State are reserved for the people (Mr. Berg and any citizen), and 2) the judge has failed in his sworn duty to uphold the Constitution — to make a separate determination as to the urgency and requirement called for by the Constitution he is sworn to uphold and protect. There must be law, for if there is not law, then there is no law.
Mr. Barack Hussein Obama is either a mole, a plant or some part of a conspiracy. This type of hidden-agenda politics is illegal and those involved with obfuscating the issue without resolving Mr. Obama’s qualifications are culpable of crimes against the United States
Mr. Obama says in his speeches and adverts that he is for open government. But as usual, with his foul mouth he continually and unceasingly spews lies: Barack Obama is not even open with his personal information. Barack Obama does not, as a candidate for president of the United States, have the expectation of privacy and MUST prove his qualifications or else be held criminally responsible for failure give heed to the law — the Constitution of the United States.
And, the upholding of our Constitution will not happen without forming network of concerned citizens to oust Barack Obama from contention for the presidency. And, if it involves the intervention of the Supreme Court of the United States, then so be it — and may the determination of the Justices be swift and direct; and uphold the Constitution and it’s stated requirements.
I don’t know whether the judge in the Berg lawsuit indicated who, if not Berg, and where, if not in his court, relief could be had and obtained wherein the enforcement of the requirements of the Constitution could be upheld.
This is a mater of national security and concern; otherwise, it confusingly looks like a coup d’Etat — and that is something we would have to fight with guns and arms.
Reject Barack Hussein Obama.
Elect John McCain and Sarah Palin — let’s get back to solving issues and growing our economy without socialism and liars.
Information and updates on Phillip J. Berg vs. Barack Obama and the DNC:
http://www.obamacrimes.com
I just got this in my e-mail this morning, see if anyone else experiences a feeling of peace, and then energy to cast that……one vote.
Hope this video works.
http://68.178.170.193/index.php
In reply to Adrian S.
via Macsmind, Michelle O has this quote:
“African press International is supposed to support Africans and African-American view,” and she went to state that, “it is strange that API has chosen to support the racists against my husband. There is no shame in being adopted by a step father. All dirt has been thrown onto my husband’s face and yet he loves this country. My husband and I know that there is no law that will stop him from becoming the president, just because some American white racists are bringing up the issue of my husband’s adoption by His step father. The important thing here is where my husband’s heart is at the moment. I can tell the American people that My husband loves this country and his adoption never changed his love for this country. He was born in Hawaii, yes, and that gives him all the right to be an American citizen even though he was adopted by a foreigner”
Now why would she speak out in such a testy manner? Could there be a problem? Like with the Messiah’s Citizenship?