Santiago
During the Battle of Clavijo, it is said that Saint James the Greater miraculously appeared to provide assistance to an outnumbered Spanish Christian army, helping them gain victory against the Moors who had started their conquest of Hispania in 711; the battle is placed between 834 and 844, about 800 years after the death of St James.
According to legend, St James, appeared as a warrior on a white horse amidst the Spanish army, wielding a white banner. Upon seeing him, the Christian army cried out “¡Dios ayuda a Santiago!” which translates to “God save St James!”
The Moors were routed, earning St James the title Matamoros or “Moor-slayer”, and he was long venerated as the patron Saint of Spain.
This statue of the Matamoros is in the museum of the St Agustin church in the Intramuros of Manila, the Philippines.
Santiago
During the Battle of Clavijo, it is said that Saint James the Greater miraculously appeared to provide assistance to an outnumbered Spanish Christian army, helping them gain victory against the Moors who had started their conquest of Hispania in 711; the battle is placed between 834 and 844, about 800 years after the death of St James.
According to legend, St James, appeared as a warrior on a white horse amidst the Spanish army, wielding a white banner. Upon seeing him, the Christian army cried out “¡Dios ayuda a Santiago!” which translates to “God save St James!”
The Moors were routed, earning St James the title Matamoros or “Moor-slayer”, and he was long venerated as the patron Saint of Spain.
This statue of the Matamoros is in the museum of the St Agustin church in the Intramuros of Manila, the Philippines.