Wordless Wednesday: Tomb of Pope Saint Pius V
Wednesday October 7, 2009
(Photo © Scott P. Richert)
A few words on this Wordless Wednesday. Since the feast of Pope Saint Pius V is April 30, it may seem odd to be posting this photo in early October. But there's a reason, and in next week's Wordless Wednesday post, I'll acknowledge the first commenter who gets that reason right.
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I actually know this one…but I will leave a hint instead of the answer. The connection has to do with a battle, one that many historians argue changed the course of European history.
Lepanto.
“On victory, Don Juan at once sent ten galleys to Spain to inform the King, and dispatched the Count of Priego to Rome. But Pius V had speedier means of communication than galleys. On the afternoon of Sunday, October seventh, he was walking in the Vatican with his treasurer, Donata Cesis. The evening before he had sent out orders to all convents in Rome and nearby to double their prayers for the Victory of the Christian fleet, but now he was listening to a recital of some of his financial difficulties. Suddenly he stepped aside, opened a window, and stood watching the sky as if astonished. Then, turning with a radiant face to the treasurer, he said,
“Go with God. This is not the time for business, but to give thanks to Jesus Christ, for our fleet has conquered.”"
I never realized that expired Popes have such ornate tombs. I like the radiant gilt halo aura thingy.
He instituted the feast of the rosary on 10-7.
After the christian fleet won the battle at Lepanto, on October 7, Pope St. Pius V established the day of Our Lady of Victory. Later on, Pope Paul VI changed it to Our Lady of the Rosary because it was this beautiful prayer what helped them.
10/7 is the 438th anniversary of the Battle of Lepanto when the forces of the Holy League defeated the Ottoman jihadists. Don Juan’s soldiers prayed the rosary on the decks of the battleships before, during and after the battle.
hi scott,
i agree, you featured St. Pius V on this wordless wednesday, october 7, because of the faith and trust of the Pope on the power of the Holy Rosary