Our Lady of the Slain

https://www.roman-catholic-saints.com/our-lady-of-the-slain.html 

July 31: Our Lady of the Slain, Lorban, Portugal

Our Lady of the Slain, also known as Our Lady of the Murdered, is located at a Cistercian monastery in Ceica, near Lorban, in country of Portugal.

It is piously believed that this image was brought directly from heaven to be given to Abbot John, who was the uncle of King Afonso I of Portugal.
The statue earned its unique title through many spectacular miracles.

It is best known for fact that life was restored to several persons who had been murdered.
Interestingly, in memory of these miracles, those who'd been raised from dead would bear, from that time forward, a red mark upon their throats, like that which was hen seen on throat of image.
This information comes to us from Cistercian Chronicles.

King Afonso I, the Conqueror, (also known as Afonso Henriques), was first king of Portugal & a lifelong sworn opponent of Islam.
He spent 46 years as king of Portugal waging war against Moors in order to drive invaders from his land.

He was also known for his piety & great love for God.
A relative of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, he bestowed many privileges & benefits to religious orders & built Alcobaca Monastery for Cistercian Order.

He was responsible for foundation of several monasteries & convents, & was favorable especially toward Cistercians.

King Afonso wasn't a stranger to miraculous.
Before battle of Ourique, when Afonso was to meet in battle an overwhelming army of 5 Moorish kings, he prayed that God would give him strength to defeat his enemies.

He fell asleep, & in his dream a mysterious old man entered his tent to him to advise him that it was God’s will that he'd be victorious in coming engagement against the Moors.

Afterward, he was awakened by his guard, who told him there was an old man waiting outside who wished to speak to him.
King Afonso bade him enter, & was started to see it was old man from his dream.

The old man said:

“Alfonso, have confidence, because you'll conquer & destroy these infidel kings, you'll smash their power & the Lord will appear to you.”

He then instructed king to leave his camp that night, without any attendant, at sound of the church bell ringing from old man’s hermitage.

It was dark, & night seemed ominous & strangely vacant when King Afonso heard mournful toll of bell.
He took up his sword & shield & mounted his horse to ride alone from camp.

A heavy cloud cover blotted out light of moon & stars when suddenly an intense beam of light illuminated night from East, & in this resplendent light a Cross appeared bearing crucified Christ.
King Afonso dismounted & prostrated himself before image of King of Kings when he heard a voice telling him that he'd indeed be victorious against Moors.

Trusting in God, King Afonso went into battle & won an impressive victory againse 5 kings.
It is said that Saint James, the Moorslayer, appeared during battle to guarantee victory of Christian army.

King Afonso went on to win other great battles against Moors, doubling size of kingdom of Portugal that he'd founded.