FEAST OF THE HOLY NAME OF MARY: OUR LADY OF CZESTOCHOWA AND THE BATTLE OF VIENNA 12 SEPTEMBER
FEAST OF THE HOLY NAME OF MARY:
OUR LADY OF CZESTOCHOWA AND THE BATTLE OF VIENNA
12 SEPTEMBER
The Feast of the Holy Name of Mary was instituted by Blessed Innocent II to be celebrated on 12 September after the victory of the armies of the Holy League against the invading armies of Islam under the Sultan Mehmet IV, a victory that preserved Europe from destruction.
Poland was dedicated under the mantle of Our Lady of Czestochowa after her protection was invoked against the Swedish army. In 1655 Poland was attacked by Swedes coming from the north, with the aim of imposing the protestant faith. After capturing most of the country and compelling the exile of the Polish King, a Swedish regiment of 3,000 men with heavy artillery advanced upon the monastery of Jasna Gora, site of the icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa, declaring that they would “have the hen house in ten days”.
The monastery, however, after praying to Our Lady of Czestochowa, and led by the Abbot, Father Kordeci, with only 70 monks, a contingent of 20 noblemen and a small company of soldiers, resisted the attack and the Swedish forces retreated.
Following the victory, Poland was dedicated to the protection of the Mother of God in the Cathedral in Lvov and the country’s destiny was placed under her mantle.
In 1683, King Jan Sobieski of Poland answered the cry for help from Emperor Leopold of Vienna, as Austria was under attack by the massive armies of the Ottoman Empire, led by the Grand Vizier, Kara Mustafa.
The story of that epic battle is summarized from a sermon given by Father Wolfe, entitled “The Battle of Vienna 11 September 1683,” which is set out in a separate post below.
The Sultan, Mehmed IV, wrote to Emperor Leopold threatening to leave his empire a “commemoration of my most dreadful sword”. He stated that, “It will be a pleasure to me to publicly establish my religion and to pursue your crucified God whose wrath I fear not, nor do I fear his coming to your assistance to deliver you out of my hands.”
The Turkish army, estimated to have been between 150,00-300,000 soldiers, without counting retinue, laid siege to Vienna. On the eve of the Feast of the Assumption, King Jan Sobieski arrived with 2,000 Winged Hussars – the most elite cavalrymen in the world, clad with giant wings made of wood and eagle feathers, which flapped and made a whistling noise, spooking the opponents’ horses. They carried 20 foot lances, to which were attached pennants which flapped in the wind, again, designed to spook the horses. Prior to, and during, the charge the Hussars sang the oldest national anthem in the world, a hymn to Our Lady, in which they prayed for her assistance, including the following:
“Mother of God, Virgin by God,
Glorified Mary,…
Sent to us,
Kyrie Eleison.
Hear the prayer which we offer,
Then give us what we ask for,
A soldier in paradise
Kyrie Eleison.”
The city of Vienna, the people of Poland and the German people undertook prayer, fasting and penance, in reparation for their sins and sought the protection of Our Lady of Czestochowa.
In an example of sheer courage and brilliant leadership, at five in the afternoon, after fighting all day, King Jan Sobieski stood in his stirrups, drew his sword and charged down the hill at the head of 2,000 Winged Hussars, together with four cavalry groups from Poland, Austria and Germany, leading a total of 20,000 horsemen. The cavalry charged, knee to knee, the Hussars with wings flapping, singing their hymns in the largest cavalry charge in history.
The Turks fled in a stampede, leaving their booty, their cavalcade, including slaves and animals. They had 50,000 dead, the Holy League suffering 4,5000 dead and wounded.
It is mindful to consider the expertise that Jan Sobieski showed as a horseman, and his bravery - the willingness to put his physical safety on the line in the defence of another, in this case, his men, his country and the faith - all accompanied by a level of humility that let him give credit to God for the overwhelming victory that had entailed, making a play on the words of Julius Caesar, and saying: ”Veni, Vidi, Deus Vincit.” He had not lead his men into any situation that he was not willing to do himself. His speech prior to the battle roused the men to defend the cause of God, saying that “we must either conquer or die nobly in this just cause, “ and reminding them that “your King fights at the head of you – to have a share both in your glory and your danger.”
It is instructive that Emperor Leopold however, in his petty jealousy, his empire saved from pillage by the Moslem army, nevertheless, while giving some acknowledgment to King Jan Sobieski, refused to review the magnificent Hussars, who had fought so valiantly and had defended his country with their brilliant horsemanship.
One version of the history of the bagel says that they originated in Vienna in tribute to the courageous Polish King Sobieski and his heroic defence of Vienna. Given that the King was (obviously) a brilliant horseman, the Viennese bakers made dough into a circle that resembled a stirrup (beugel, in German); Ari Weinzweig, The Secret History of Bagels” theatlantic.com.
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