Austrian Cardinal Christoph Schönborn is worried about the future of Europe, and he fears that its "Christian inheritance" might be snatched away because of "Islamic conquest."
This was the message shared by the cardinal in the Cathedral of Vienna on Sunday, Sept. 11, according to the Catholic News Agency.
The Archbishop of Vienna began his message by discussing the victory of the Christian coalition over the Ottoman Empire in the Battle of Vienna back in 1683. "On this day, 333 years ago, Vienna was saved," he said. "Will there now be a third attempt at an Islamic conquest of Europe? Many Muslims think so and long for it and say: This Europe is at an end."
On Sept. 11, 1683, Polish King John Sobieski III, who was also the Supreme Commander of the Christian Coalition Army, led 18,000 horsemen to fight the Turks. Because of their victory, Polish, Austrian, Bavarian, Saxon, Venetian and other troops were able to end the expansion of the Ottoman Empire in Europe.
Schönborn said Europeans have sadly "squandered and wasted" the inheritance given to them by Sobieski, a devout Catholic who entrusted his kingdom to the Blessed Virgin, Our Lady of Czestochowa. He called on Christians to turn to God and ask for another chance at redemption since they are still His people.
He then offered a prayer: "Lord, remember, it is your people. And if we have strayed and if we have squandered the inheritance, Lord, do not abandon us! Do not abandon this Europe, which has produced so many saints. Do not abandon us, because we have become lukewarm in our faith."
Schönborn asked God for mercy so that He will not forfeit their Christian inheritance. "Have mercy on us and raise us up again, for the glory of your name and as a blessing to the world! Amen," he concluded.
