In ancient times, Marian feasts of the Eastern Church centred on events in Mary's life. Since the 12th century, Marian feasts added to the Western calendar almost always commemorate a particular event of the times. This feast was celebrated in the late 15th century by some confraternities of the Rosary, and in 1571 was solemnized by Pius V in thanksgiving for a battle victory. In 1716, Clement XI extended the feast to the universal Church.

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