Our Lady of Victory in Beeville celebrates feast day on Oct. 9

Our Lady of Victory parish in Beeville celebrated its feast day on Oct. 9. Parishioners processed around the church grounds with the Blessed Sacrament and praying the rosary. Altar Servers, CCE children, CYO, Life in the Spirit, St. Anne Society, Holy Name Society, Knights of Columbus and parishioners took part in the celebration.
 
At the end of the rosary, the CCE children released balloons forming a rosary in the sky. Everyone then preceded to the church for Mass, with music by mariachi Luna y Sol.
 
In 1569, Pope Pius V introduced the Feast of the Our Lady of Victory. There was a war going on at the time. The pope promised the Blessed Mother that if the Catholic troops could win the naval battle at Lepanto, he would make Oct. 7, the Feast Day of Our Lady of Victory. After soldiers and all the people prayed the rosary, there was an outstanding victory for the Christians forces. 
 
In thanksgiving for the victory at Lepanto, the Feast of Our Lady of Victory was instituted, but in 1573 it was changed to the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.
 
"A luncheon followed at the parish hall where parishioners enjoyed a good meal and entertainment," Laly Cardenas said.
 
Pastor Father Luke Thirunelliparambil thanked "all the wonderful people that made this celebration a great success," especially those that helped with the cleaning, decorations, cooking, landscaping, etc.