“Build a chapel for me here”. That’s what the Virgin said to Cecilia Geyer according to miraclehunter.com. Now we stand before Maria Mutter vom Großen Sieg. It’s a testament to faith and history.
Maria vom Siege also known as Jungfrau vom Siege is a name invoking the Mother of God. It translates to Our Lady of Victory. The title gained prominence during the Turkish Wars.
Pope Pius V called upon the Gottesmutter as “Obsiegerin gegen die Türken”. This means “Victor over the Turks”. After the Battle of Lepanto in 1571 Pius V claimed a vision. The Jungfrau vom Siege showed him the victory over the Ottomans.
Pope Gregory XIII established the first Sunday in October. It was to be a memorial day for Our Lady of Victory. In 1573, it was renamed the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. Since 1913 it has been celebrated on October 7th.
The invocation of Maria as Maria vom Siege became popular in the Philippines. This happened during the Eighty Years’ War. She became the patron saint of Spanish ships. This was during the La Naval de Manila sea battles in 1646. La Naval de Manila was declared patroness of the Philippines in 1652.
The veneration of the “Mutter vom Großen Sieg” spread widely in Europe. This increased after Prince Eugene of Savoy’s victory. He won the Battle of Peterwardein in 1716.
Several churches and chapels are dedicated to Our Lady of Victory. These are called Maria-Victoria-Kirche. Some brotherhoods as well as social and charitable institutions also carry the name. These include hospitals and nursing homes.
The Anrufung has developed into a special topos of iconography. It is related to the “Mondsichelmadonna”. This is the “Madonna im Strahlenkranz” and the “lichtverklärten Madonna”.
The story of Maria vom Großen Sieg is intertwined with battles. It is also connected with visions and unwavering faith. It reminds us of the power of belief and the enduring influence of the Virgin Mary. Her image and the stories associated with her continue to inspire. They provide solace to countless people throughout history. The Maria Mutter vom Großen Sieg stands as a beacon. It represents hope and the promise of victory through faith.