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Although being a place surrounded by steep cliffs, isolated and with a small population, it was at the mercy of North Atlantic piracy. The settlement and its small chapel was located along the coast, close to a loose beach called Porto da Casa (an area that was easily accessible by pirates). In one account, while the men were in the hills looking after their flocks and the women were in their homes, a large group of pirates arrived in the vicinty of the settlement. The pirates fired on the settlement, and were met by rocks thrown from the cliff-tops. During the battle, the local vicar carried his small image of Nossa Senhora do Rosario (Our Lady of the Rosary) into the battle. The statue had for many years been placed in the area of Porto da Casa, but had recently been placed on the altar of the small chapel on the cliff. The battle was arduous, but the Corvinos were able to defeat the pirates, capturing many weapons, without a loss of life and while capturing a Moor. It is said, that the victory was credited to the statue, which was the patron saint of Corvo, and had deflected and duplicated many of the pirates rounds. The pirates retreated, and did not return to the smallest island stating: We won't return to Corvo, because there is a 'Margarida' that stops rounds. Our people fired one shot, and she returned seven on board and killed seven at one time! That "Margarida", which referred to was Nossa Senhora do Rosario, was eventually referred to as Nossa Senhora dos Milagres (Our Lady of the Miracles). Today the statue is located in the parochial church.