OUR LADY OF THE MILITIA

Day 12: May 22

Back in 1091, Sicily was under the sway of the Normans, a warlike yet Christian people that had come from France. A few years later, these same Normans would play a decisive role in the First Crusade, retaking Jerusalem and other cities and establishing the Crusader states.

For the citizens of Scicli in Sicily, an event that would be remembered for centuries took place in May of 1091. Suddenly, a fleet of Muslim Turks appeared on the horizon, heading for this vulnerable seacoast town.

King Roger of Sicily gathered what forces were at his disposal and prepared for battle. Meanwhile, the concerned citizens prayed and fasted, asking for Divine Intervention to counter the impending threat.

The Muslim forces landed on the beach of Donnalucata and faced King Roger’s forces, which had been bolstered by the townspeople. However, as the battle raged, the Christian forces began to falter. The enemy’s victory seemed certain when suddenly a miracle occurred.

Our Lady appeared on a magnificent white stallion with a drawn sword and charged against the Turks in a terrible blue cloud of smoke. The Turks were driven back and suffered a crushing defeat.

Today, the townsfolk of Scicli celebrate the important battle with a procession featuring a magnificent life-sized statue of Our Lady throughout the town. This commemoration helps to keep the memory of the great victory alive. Reenactments of the play also take place on this important day.

Of course, no feast day would be complete without a feast. Thus, the Sicilians created a pastry commemorating the occasion called teste di Turco or Turkish heads. Puffy custard-filled pastries are shaped like the turbans of the invading Turks.

To remember this critical battle, the Sacred Congregation of Rites issued a decree for the recitation of a special Office and Mass by the clergy of the city of Scicli on the last Saturday of May.

One big takeaway from this story is that Our Lady, being the best of all mothers, will always watch over her children and, when necessary, even protect them in person if they are in danger.

Numerous interventions of Our Lady in battles serve as reminders to have confidence in Our Lady, especially in chaotic and troubled times.

Her intervention recalls the words of the Song of Solomon: “Who is she that cometh forth as the morning rising, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, terrible as an army set in array?”(6:10).

This feast has strong meaning for the Scicli community’s identity; it is intangible heritage of the highest value, due also to its uniqueness.

In fact, on that day, the Christians’ liberation from the Arab rule is celebrated. King Roger I of Sicily and his army freed Scicli from the Saracens in 1091 in the clash that took place in the plain of Donnalucata, near the sea and a few kilometers from the town center. The Madonna on Horseback came to their aid and miraculously appeared before participating in the final battle.

This exceptional event is still commemorated today with the Feast of the Madonna of the Militia.

In her honor, the town is decorated with lights and all the citizens participate in long processions; it is the only feast in the world where a warrior virgin is celebrated.

A play is also put on that tells the story of the battle and the miraculous appearance.

To mark this day, dedicated to remembering the Virgin’s miraculous intervention, typical evocative desserts are prepared called Teste di Turco (“Testi Turcu” in dialect), meaning Turkish Heads.

These desserts are an ideological trophy. In fact, their shape is reminiscent of the turbans that covered the heads of the defeated invaders.

Despite their inspiration, they are delicious pastry puffs filled with ricotta cheese or custard.

Prayer to the Blessed Mother by St Athanasius

It is becoming for you, O Mary, to be mindful of us, as you stand near him who bestowed upon you all graces, for you are the Mother of God and our Queen. Come to our aid for the sake of the King, the Lord God and Master who was born of you. For this reason you are called “full of grace.”

Be mindful of us, most holy Virgin, and bestow on us gifts from the riches of your graces, O Virgin full of grace.