Our Lady of the Portuguese
Diu,India (1546)
In 1546 there was an assault on Diu that began on the eve of Easter, and the Portuguese thwarted the efforts of the Turks to capture the fort in a pitched battle recorded as one of the greatest ever fought by the Portuguese troops in India. The siege had continued uninterrupted from April 20th 1546 until November 7th when Our Lady is believed to have appeared upon the ramparts holding a lance in her hand to defend the fort from the enemy. This caused so great terror in the enemy’s camp, that the siege was at once raised. A Portuguese fleet finally arrived on scene under Viceroy Juan de Castro, confirming Portuguese dominion and their hold over the region.
Text and image used with permission.
Source: "365 Days with Mary" by Michael O'Neill
Download the free "365 Days with Mary" app
Listen to "365 Days with Mary" each week on The Miracle Hunter® on EWTN Radio