The Great Siege of Malta: Victory through hope

In 1565, Malta had to face its Goliath: the powerful Ottoman Empire launched a massive siege on the tiny archipelago. They decided to conquer the legendary Mediterranean crossroads. And still, against impossible odds, the Maltese and the Knights of St. John emerged victorious – an outcome attributed not merely to military strategy but to steadfast faith and divine intervention.

This extraordinary triumph on September 8, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is one of the most significant testaments to the power of prayer, gratitude, and devotion to Our Lady in Christian history.

On May 18, 1565, an Ottoman armada of over 200 warships carrying 30,000 soldiers arrived off Malta’s coast. The island’s defenders, a combination of the Knights of St. John and Maltese fighters from all walks of life, numbered just 6,000. The invaders were determined to crush the small Christian stronghold that stood as a bulwark for Western Christendom.

The siege was brutal, with relentless bombardments and fierce assaults. The towns of Birgu and Senglea bore the brunt of the attack, their fortifications under constant Ottoman fire. Despite dwindling resources and the overwhelming might of their adversaries, the defenders stood firm, fortified by their faith.

Throughout the siege, the Maltese and the Knights constantly turned to prayer, entrusting their cause to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valette prayed fervently before the Damaskinì icon of Our Lady of Damascus, seeking her intercession. The defenders knew that their survival depended not on human effort alone but on divine aid.

Their prayers were answered. On September 8, the Feast of the Nativity of Mary, the Ottoman forces unexpectedly abandoned the siege. The Maltese and their allies had prevailed. Grand Master de la Valette, overwhelmed with gratitude, laid his sword and hat at the altar steps of the Church of Our Lady of Damascus, dedicating the victory to the Blessed Virgin.

The victory was celebrated as a Marian miracle, and the Maltese began to honor Mary as “Our Lady of Victory” (Il-Madonna tal-Vitorja). To commemorate her intercession, La Valette founded a new city, Valletta, and ensured its first building was a church dedicated to the Nativity of Mary. Similarly, the cities of Birgu and Senglea adopted new titles, Città Vittoriosa (Victorious City) and Città Invicta (Undefeated City), respectively, as a testament to their miraculous triumph.

The devotion to Our Lady of Victory was not limited to Malta. Soon enough, it spread from the archipelago to the whole Mediterranean. Indeed, just six years later, on October 7, 1571, another miraculous Marian intervention occurred at the Battle of Lepanto – a victory deemed impossible had not been for the Maltese triumph, which inspired the vastly outnumbered Holy League, led by the Papal States and allied Christian forces. On that they, the League defeated the Ottoman fleet after Pope St. Pius V called for a universal recitation of the Rosary. In gratitude, the pope instituted the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary – originally called Our Lady of Victory.

Malta’s Marian devotion deepened over the centuries, with many churches and shrines dedicated to the Nativity of Mary, including the Mellieħa National Marian Shrine, part of the European Marian Network. The Maltese veneration of Mary as both a protector and intercessor has continued to be a source of hope in moments of peril. Indeed, Malta is well-known for its unique Marian Pilgrimages. Take, for example, the Camino Mariæ Melitensis. The 60-kilometer (37-mile) route from Castrum Maris to Mellieha, created by XirCammini in collaboration with VisitMalta, has woven together some of the most significative landmarks of Malta’s rich Marian devotion. Information to assist the pilgrim and get the camino credencial are available on the dedicated website or on XirCammini’s generic website. 

The Great Siege of 1565 was more than a military victory—it was a spiritual triumph. The faith of the Maltese people and their unswerving devotion to Our Lady transformed what seemed like certain defeat into a moment of grace and hope. Their gratitude to God and to Mary found expression not only in their prayers and votive offerings but also in their commitment to building a city, numerous churches and a culture that honored their Heavenly Mother.

As we meditate on the events of 1565 and beyond, we are reminded of the words of St. Pius V, the “Pope of the Rosary”: “The Rosary is a weapon against the evils of the world today.” It was true then, and it remains true now. Malta’s victories through faith are a testament to the power of prayer and the enduring love of Our Lady of Victory.

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