Mary saved Saint John of God from death when he was a soldier

In 1638 the Spanish army besieged Fontarrabia, occupied at that time by the French, on the border between the two countries (now the Spanish Basque Country). Having nothing to do, the besiegers indulged in looting and misconduct. One day, the Spanish officer Juan Ciudad stopped his captain from molesting a young girl. This act of courage would later get him into trouble.

To avenge himself, the captain put him in charge of the most humiliating and risky chores.  One morning Juan was sent on a reconnaissance mission on a captured horse, without a saddle or bridle... He was riding near the French border when, suddenly, at the sound of a trumpet, the horse took off at full speed, reared up and threw his rider against a rock. Juan was seriously hurt, was in horrible pain, and unable to get up. He expected to be captured and killed by the French at any time.

In his distress, he prayed to the good Virgin Mary whom he had always turned to for help and consolation since he was a child: "You alone can save me, Queen of Heaven, do not let me fall into the hands of the enemy." Then he fainted. When he awoke, he saw a young girl at his side who spoke to him with compassion. Dressed as a shepherdess, holding a stick in her hand, she leaned over him and handed him a jug. Juan drank the cool water greedily ...

The stranger offered her hand, which he took hesitatingly. He staggered to his feet and was able to stand. Leaning on the girl, he took a few weak steps. Then he felt a great strength being poured back in his limbs. The shepherdess led him a little way, then left. Juan was convinced that the stranger could only be the Virgin Mary or an angel she had sent.

Wilhelm Hünermann, The beggar of Granada: a Life Picture of St. John of God