The Spanish Monarchs realized that as long as Gibraltar remained in Moslem control, the precarious bridge between Africa and Europe would remain. Despite many attempts to gain back control, these proved futile.

 

Success would come in AD 1309, when King Ferdinand IV of Spain captured Gibraltar. To mark this event, he dedicated Europe to the Mother of Christ, under the title: Our Lady of Europe. What was once a thanksgiving mosque became a Christian Shrine.

 

This victory would be short-lived! The Moslems recaptured Gibraltar in AD 1333.

 

In AD 1462, King Henry IV of Spain, regained control; he also restored the devotion to Our Lady. As the original statue disappeared, a replacement was sought. This new image depicted Our Lady with the Infant Jesus enthroned.

 

Alternatively, the Portuguese King conquered Ceuta in North Africa. He would consecrate Africa to Our Lady under the invocation of “Our Lady of Africa”. Hence the two shrines flank the Straits of Gibraltar as in the “Pillars of Hercules”.

 

As galleons entered the Bay of Gibraltar, they would fire salvoes in honour of Our Lady of Europe. The Hermit at the Shrine would reply with the same number of shots. Later on, any new British Naval ship entering the harbour always fired salvoes. The resident Garrison would offer the reply.