Do you know the story of Maria la Bailadora?
One of Christianity’s unsung heroes, Maria's story is one of perseverance, faith and determination that unfortunately few christians know.
Maria la Bailadora: The Dancer Who Changed the Course of History
The year is 1571 AD and Christianity itself was at a crossroads. The Ottoman empire was inching closer to Rome, and christian Albania had just fallen following the death of Skanderbeg, who held the title “Champion of Christ”. The fall of Albania was a brutal lesson for Christian Europe, as the Ottoman’s rampaged through the country, forcibly converting the population to Islam. Those who refused to convert suffered an even worse fate.
United, the Holy League set sail to confront the Ottomans in a decisive final battle and María was determined to join them. However, as a woman, she was ridiculed and rejected. Undeterred, she trimmed her hair, disguised herself as a man, and snuck aboard one of the naval vessels. By the time she was discovered, there was no turning back.
Maria’s story is the basis for the song, “Where Is Your God”, with lyrics taken verbatim from Psalm 42. Unfortunately, so much of her efforts have been lost in history. It’s up to us, as Christians, to retell her story and remember her bravery.
Who Was Maria la Bailadora?
Maria la Bailadora, known for her captivating dance and vibrant spirit, lived in 16th-century Spain. Her title, *la Bailadora* (“The Dancer”), reflected not just her skill but her vivacious personality. However Maria was more than an entertainer; she was a woman of deep faith and an unwavering commitment to her people. Her life took an unexpected turn when she found herself at the heart of a pivotal moment in Christian history: the Battle of Lepanto.
The Battle of Lepanto
On October 7, 1571, the Battle of Lepanto unfolded as a decisive naval clash between the Christian Holy League and the Ottoman Empire. The stakes were enormous; a defeat would have inevitably led to the Ottomans gaining a foothold in Europe, and continuing on to Rome, Paris and Madrid. Desperate, Pope Pius V called for unified Christian forces to protect the faith and halt the Ottoman advance. For once, the always bickering Christian countries of Europe united, and just in the nick of time.
As I wrote earlier, Maria la Bailadora, though not a soldier, was present on one of the Holy League’s ships despite Don Juan of Austria's explicit orders prohibiting the presence of women. She did so by cutting her hair short and disguising herself as a male soldier to gain access. As the battle raged, Maria did the unthinkable: she danced. Amid the chaos of cannon fire and the clash of swords, her graceful movements became a source of strength and inspiration for the Christian forces.
Dancing Through Danger
Maria’s dance was more than an act of bravery; it was a profound display of faith. Her movements symbolized hope and resilience, reminding the soldiers of the culture and faith they were fighting to protect. Witnesses described her as exuding a divine calm, as though Christ Himself guided her steps. Her courage lifted the spirits of the weary fighters, helping them push through the darkest moments of the battle.
As the Holy League and Ottoman fleets approached each other, the wind initially favored the Ottoman fleet, giving them a tactical advantage. The Ottomans' larger and faster galleys, coupled with their superior position, made them appear poised for victory. But then, at a critical moment, the wind unexpectedly shifted in favor of the Holy League fleet, allowing the Christian forces to maneuver more effectively. This sudden change disrupted the Ottoman formation and provided the Holy League with a strategic advantage that many attribute to direct divine intervention.
As the frigates from both sides crashed upon one another, Maria herself was called to join the battle. She boarded the first Ottoman ship she could find and fought valiantly at the side of her fellow soldiers. Fighting with remarkable energy and skill, Maria wielded an arquebus and engaged in close combat, even killing an Ottoman soldier in close combat.
Maria’s Legacy
Maria survived and the Holy League emerged victorious against overwhelming odds, a triumph many attributed to divine intervention. As the Ottomans turned back to Istanbul, the victory not only preserved Christian Europe but also reinforced the power of faith and unity. In recognition of this miraculous outcome, Pope Pius V established the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, celebrated every October 7.
Following the battle, Don Juan of Austria was impressed by Maria’s bravery and granted her the honor of serving among the soldiers in Don Lope de Figueroa's Tercio, one of the Holy League’s most elite battalions of soldiers.
Maria’s Inspiration from Christ
Maria’s strength in the face of danger was deeply rooted in her faith in Christ. She drew inspiration from His teachings of courage and sacrifice. Her belief that God was with her allowed her to transform fear into action. Like the apostles in the Book of Acts, Maria demonstrated that ordinary people, empowered by faith, can achieve extraordinary things.
Her story is a reminder of Christ’s words in Matthew 28:20: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Maria’s actions embodied this promise, showing that faith can be a powerful force in even the most perilous situations.
Why Maria la Bailadora’s Story Matters Today
Maria’s story is more than a historical anecdote; it is a source of inspiration for Christians today. In a world filled with challenges, her courage reminds us that we, too, can rise above fear through faith. Her dance symbolizes the power of unwavering trust in God’s plan, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
In a time when women were forbidden from holding most jobs, Maria overcame the social stigma and showed that an empowered woman with faith in God can beat the odds.
As we read in the Book of Psalms, 20:7: "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”
Maria la Bailadora’s legacy encourages not just women but all of us to embrace our own roles in God’s greater story. Whether through small acts of kindness, bold displays of faith, or standing firm in the face of adversity, we are called to be beacons of hope and light. Like Maria, we can find inspiration in Christ to face life’s battles with grace and courage.
Maria’s actions during the Battle of Lepanto remain a powerful example of how faith can inspire and sustain us. Her story, though lesser-known, is a testament to the strength found in Christ’s teachings. As we remember Maria la Bailadora, let us carry her spirit of courage and faith into our own lives, trusting that God is always with us, guiding our steps and lighting our path.