Remembering the Martyrs of Otranto

Today, August 14, we commemorate the Feast Day of the Martyrs of Otranto. These faithful Christians were victims of a brutal conquest during the Ottoman invasion of the Italian city of Otranto in 1480. After a two-week siege, the city fell on August 11 to the muslim oppressors. What followed was a horrifying massacre: all men over the age of 50 were executed, and women and children under 15 were taken into slavery.

The leader of the invading force, Pasha Ahmed, summoned over 800 surviving Christian men and demanded that they convert to Islam or face death. These men, firm in their faith, refused to renounce Christ.

One among them stepped forward and delivered words that echo through the centuries:

My brothers, until today we have fought in defense of our country, to save our lives, and for our lords; now it is time that we fight to save our souls for our Lord, so that having died on the cross for us, it is good that we should die for him, standing firm and constant in the faith, and with this earthly death we shall win eternal life and the glory of martyrs.

Angered by their defiance, Pasha Ahmed ordered their execution. On August 14, 1480, the 800 were taken to a nearby hill and beheaded while their families and fellow townspeople were forced to watch. Tradition holds that the body of the first to die, Antonio Primaldo, miraculously remained standing until all the others had been martyred.

With Otranto devastated and its population decimated, the Ottoman forces turned their sights toward Rome. The barbaric muslim conquest of Italy would ultimately fail following the death of Sultan Mehmet II which left the invading forces in disarray. 

A year later, in October 1481, the remains of the martyrs were found to be incorrupt and were transferred to the Otranto Cathedral. Pope Clement XIV beatified them on December 14, 1771. Centuries later, on May 12, 2013, Pope Francis canonized them as saints, honoring their steadfast faith and ultimate sacrifice.

Relics of the Otranto Martyrs

The story of Otranto belongs to history, but the lessons it teaches remain timely. Christians continue to face persecution and martyrdom in many parts of the world, often at the hands of Islamist extremists. Churches are burned, priests murdered, and believers imprisoned or killed simply for professing the name of Christ.

The Martyrs of Otranto remind us that civilizations are not preserved by complacency. They endure when people possess the courage to defend both their faith and the cultural foundations built upon it. Their witness calls Christians not to fear, but to remain steadfast, discerning, and faithful in every age.

May we never take for granted the religious liberty and Christian heritage we have inherited. May we have the wisdom to recognize genuine threats, and, should the day ever come, the courage to stand as firmly for Christ as the Martyrs of Otranto.

Martyrs of Otranto, Ora pro nobis!

The Eternal Battle: Otranto and the War on Christianity

Today, August 14, we commemorate the Feast Day of the Martyrs of Otranto. These faithful Christians were victims of a brutal conquest during the Ottoman invasion of the Italian city of Otranto in 1480. After a two-week siege, the city fell on August 11 to the muslim oppressors. What followed was a horrifying massacre: all men over the age of 50 were executed, and women and children under 15 were taken into slavery.

The leader of the invading force, Pasha Ahmed, summoned over 800 surviving Christian men and demanded that they convert to Islam or face death. These men, firm in their faith, refused to renounce Christ.

One among them stepped forward and delivered words that echo through the centuries:

My brothers, until today we have fought in defense of our country, to save our lives, and for our lords; now it is time that we fight to save our souls for our Lord, so that having died on the cross for us, it is good that we should die for him, standing firm and constant in the faith, and with this earthly death we shall win eternal life and the glory of martyrs.

Angered by their defiance, Pasha Ahmed ordered their execution. On August 14, 1480, the 800 were taken to a nearby hill and beheaded while their families and fellow townspeople were forced to watch. Tradition holds that the body of the first to die, Antonio Primaldo, miraculously remained standing until all the others had been martyred.

With Otranto devastated and its population decimated, the Ottoman forces turned their sights toward Rome. The barbaric muslim conquest of Italy would ultimately fail following the death of Sultan Mehmet II which left the invading forces in disarray. 

A year later, in October 1481, the remains of the martyrs were found to be incorrupt and were transferred to the Otranto Cathedral. Pope Clement XIV beatified them on December 14, 1771. Centuries later, on May 12, 2013, Pope Francis canonized them as saints, honoring their steadfast faith and ultimate sacrifice.

Martyrs of Otranto, Ora pro nobis!

Relics of the Otranto Martyrs

The war against Christianity is not confined to history. Though the weapons may change, the threats remain — from violent extremism abroad to ideological hostility at home. As we remember the courage and faith of the Martyrs of Otranto, let us pray for the strength to stand firm in our own trials, no matter their form.

St. Wenceslaus, Patron Saint of Brewers

Originally posted September 28, 2012.

Today is the feast day of St. Wenceslaus, who is regarded as a patron Saint of Czech brewers.

St. Wenceslaus, duke of Bohemia, was born about the year 907 at Prague, Bohemia (now the Czech Republic). His father was killed in battle when he was young, leaving the kingdom to be ruled by his pagan mother. Wenceslaus was educated by his grandmother, Ludmilla, also a saint. She taught him to be a Christian and to be a good king. She was killed by pagan nobles before she saw him king, but she left him with a deep committment to the Christian faith. 

Throughout his life he preserved his virginity unblemished. As duke he was a father to his subjects, generous toward orphans, widows, and the poor. On his own shoulders he frequently carried wood to the houses of the needy. He often attended the funerals of the poor, ransomed captives, and visited those suffering in prison. He was filled with a deep reverence toward the clergy; with his own hands he sowed the wheat for making altar breads and pressed the grapes for the wine used in the Mass. During winter he would visit the churches barefoot through snow and ice, frequently leaving behind bloody footprints. 

Wenceslaus was eighteen years old when he succeeded his father to the throne. Without regard for the opposition, he worked in close cooperation with the Church to convert his pagan country. He ended the persecution of Christians, built churches and brought back exiled priests. As king he gave an example of a devout life and of great Christian charity, with his people calling him "Good King" of Bohemia. 

His brother Boleslaus, however, turned to paganism. One day he invited Wenceslaus to his house for a banquet. The next morning, on September 28, 929, as Wenceslaus was on the way to Mass, Boleslaus struck him down at the door of the church. Before he died, Wenceslaus forgave his brother and asked God's mercy for his soul. Although he was killed for political reasons, he is listed as a martyr since the dispute arose over his faith. This king, martyred at the age of twenty-two, is the national hero and patron of the Czech Republic. He is the first Slav to be canonized.

According to BeerHistory.com, the Saint's protection of local hops earned him much regard.

Because Bohemian hops were so valued, Wenceslas ordered the death penalty for anyone caught exporting the cuttings and obviously endeared himself to the local hop growers and brewers. He became the patron saint of Bohemia and Czechoslovakia and his crown became the symbol of nationalism for the Czechs. By extension he became a patron saint of Czech brewers.

King Wenceslaus is the inspiration for the Christmas carol, Good King Wenceslas.

So let's raise a glass of fine beer to the Good King, Saint Wenceslaus.

Cheers!

The Martyrs of Otranto

Today, August 14, is the Feast Day of the Martyrs of Otranto. These faithful Christians were victims of muslim brutality and conquest in the Italian city of Otranto in 1480. On August 11, the town, which had been under siege for two weeks, was finally overrun by the Ottoman invaders. Subsequently, all men in the town over the age of 50 were slaughtered, and women and children under 15 were sent away into slavery. (Islam has actively engaged in slavery since its inception and continues to do so to this day.) The leader of the invaders, Pasha Ament ordered over 800 surviving Christian men brought before him and commanded them to convert to islam or face death. The faithful refused to cave in to his barbarous demands.

One of the men came forth and spoke in a manner that we should all pray we could emulate,

My brothers, until today we have fought in defense of our country, to save our lives, and for our lords; now it is time that we fight to save our souls for our Lord, so that having died on the cross for us, it is good that we should die for him, standing firm and constant in the faith, and with this earthly death we shall win eternal life and the glory of martyrs.

Angered that they would not renounce their faith, Pasha Ament ordered all the men killed. On August 14, 1480, the prisoners were brought to a nearby hill and beheaded, while their families and friends were merclessly forced to watch. The first to be executed was names Antonio Primaldo. According to tradition, his body refused to fall over until the entire group had been executed.

The destruction of the town complete, and its population decimated, the moslem invaders continued their march toward Rome. Due to the two-week delay in their conquest imparted by the resolve of the faithful Christians, the forces of Italy were able to mobilize in defense of Rome. Christianity was saved from the barbaric forces of Islam once again. 

A year later, in October 1481, the bodies of the martyrs were found to be uncorrupted and moved to the Otranto cathedral. On December 14, 1771, Pope Clement XIV beatified these brave men. On May 12, 2013 their cause for Sainthood was completed when Pope Francis declared the Martyrs of Otranto to be among the Saints in Heaven.

Martyrs of Otranto, Ora pro nobis!

Relics of the Otranto Martyrs

The islamic war on Christianity, and civilized people as a whole, continues to this day. The scimitar remains the conversion tool of choice. Throughout the world, Christians are slaughtered for their faith every single day. (That whole "religion of peace" meme notwithstanding.)

Even as the global religious persecution of Christian continues, Christianity in the United States faces new threats at home. The newly "woke" have become the useful idiots of anti-Christian Socialist and Marxist organizations. These groups mask their agenda with faux outrage over real injustice, leaving mayhem and destruction in their wake. Churches are ransacked and burned. "Peaceful" protestors brutally attack Christians in the streets. Leftist politicians under the guise of health precautions put forth unconstitutional mandates restricting citizens' freedom to worship. Churches are closed for "safety." All the while, rioting, shopping at Walmart, and abortion clinics are deemed safe.

During these times, may we remain as strong as those holy citizens of Otranto. We can take inspiration from these brave men and pray that we will remain as strong in our faith in the face of evil. I often pray that when the religious persecution comes, there be enough evidence to find me guilty.

Also see "How the 800 Martyrs of Otranto Saved Rome" for more on the martyrs and their place in the history of Christendom.

The Martyrs of Otranto

August 14 is the Feast Day of the Martyrs of Otranto. These faithful Christians were victims of muslim brutality and conquest in the Italian city of Otranto in 1480. Two days prior, on August 11, the town, which had been under siege for two weeks, was finally overrun by the Ottoman invaders. Subsequently, all men in the town over the age of 50 were slaughtered, and women and children under 15 were sent away into slavery. The leader of the invaders, Pasha Ament ordered over 800 surviving Christian men brought before him and commanded them to convert to islam or face death. The faithful refused to cave in to his barbarous demands.

One of the men came forth and spoke in a manner that we should all pray we could emulate,

My brothers, until today we have fought in defense of our country, to save our lives, and for our lords; now it is time that we fight to save our souls for our Lord, so that having died on the cross for us, it is good that we should die for him, standing firm and constant in the faith, and with this earthly death we shall win eternal life and the glory of martyrs.

Angered that they would not renounce their faith, Pasha Ament ordered all the men killed. On August 14, 1480, the prisoners were brought to a nearby hill and beheaded, while their families and friends were mercessly forced to watch. According to tradition, the body of the first victim, Antonio Primaldo, refused to fall over until the entire group had been executed. The destruction of the town complete, and its population decimated, the moslem invaders continued their march toward Rome.

A year later, in October 1481, the bodies of the martyrs were found to be uncorrupted and moved to the Otranto cathedral. On December 14, 1771, Pope Clement XIV beatified these brave men. On May 12, 2013 their cause for Sainthood was completed when Pope Francis declared the Martyrs of Otranto to be among the Saints in Heaven.

Martyrs of Otranto, Ora pro nobis!

Relics of the Otranto Martyrs

The islamic war on Christianity, and civilized people as a whole, continues to this day. The scimitar remains the conversion tool of choice for the barbaric cult. (That whole "religion of peace" meme notwithstanding.)

Today we remember these brave men and pray we remain as strong in our own wars against the minions of Satan.

Also see "How the 800 Martyrs of Otranto Saved Rome" for more on the martyrs and their place in the history of Christendom.

The Martyrs of Otranto

August 14 is the Feast Day of the Martyrs of Otranto. These faithful Christians were victims of muslim brutality and conquest in the Italian city of Otranto in 1480. Two days prior, on August 11, the town, which had been under siege for two weeks, was finally overrun by the Ottoman invaders. Subsequently, all men in the town over the age of 50 were slaughtered, and women and children under 15 were sent away into slavery. The leader of the invaders, Pasha Ament ordered over 800 surviving Christian men brought before him and commanded them to convert to islam or face death. The faithful refused to cave in to his barbarous demands.

One of the men came forth and spoke in a manner that we should all pray we could emulate,

My brothers, until today we have fought in defense of our country, to save our lives, and for our lords; now it is time that we fight to save our souls for our Lord, so that having died on the cross for us, it is good that we should die for him, standing firm and constant in the faith, and with this earthly death we shall win eternal life and the glory of martyrs.

Angered that they would not renounce their faith, Pasha Ament ordered all the men killed. On August 14, 1480, the prisoners were brought to a nearby hill and beheaded, while their families and friends were mercessly forced to watch. According to tradition, the body of the first victim, Antonio Primaldo, refused to fall over until the entire group had been executed. The destruction of the town complete, and its population decimated, the moslem invaders continued their march toward Rome.

A year later, in October 1481, the bodies of the martyrs were found to be uncorrupted and moved to the Otranto cathedral. On December 14, 1771, Pope Clement XIV beatified these brave men. On May 12, 2013 their cause for Sainthood was completed when Pope Francis declared the Martyrs of Otranto to be among the Saints in Heaven.

Martyrs of Otranto, Ora pro nobis!

Relics of the Otranto Martyrs

The islamic war on Christianity, and civilized people as a whole, continues to this day. The scimitar remains the conversion tool of choice for the barbaric cult. (That whole "religion of peace" meme notwithstanding.)

Today we remember these brave men and pray we remain as strong in our own wars against the minions of Satan.

Also see "How the 800 Martyrs of Otranto Saved Rome" for more on the martyrs and their place in the history of Christendom.

Stand Ready

For weeks we've been seeing the result of open borders and allowing non-vetted "refugees" into Germany and France. In the United States, we've seen numerous attacks tied to "lone wolf" muslim terrorists. This morning we wake up to the horrific news that islamists have attacked a Catholic church in France during Holy Mass, and martyred Fr. Jacques Hamel by slitting his throat.

But, it can't happen here we are told, again and again. Strangely enough, these same apologists for terror never tell us why it can't happen here. Rest assured, it can, and it will happen here. The followers of islam are coming for Christians. They always come for the Christians.

Tomorrow the Church remembers Sts. Natalia, Aurelius, Liliosa, Felix, and George, all martyrs of islam who suffered at Cordova in Spain under the Caliph Abderrahman II, A.D. 852. May these Saints welcome Fr. Jacques to his final Glory.

For my Virginia readers, I will remind you of the Virginia statute which vaguely states that carrying a weapon "without good and sufficient reason" in a church is not lawful. I will also remind you that former Virginia Attorney Cuccinelli opined that "carrying a weapon for personal protection constitutes a good and sufficient reason under the statute to carry a weapon into a place of worship while a meeting for religious purposes is being held there."

Will you be ready? The choice is yours.

Father Jacques, priest and martyr, pray for us.

Bishop Flavien-Michel Malké - Victim of Islam

On August 29, a brave Christian warrior moved one step closer to Sainthood when the Church beatified Bishop Flavien-Michel Malké. Bishop Malké was martyred in 1915 for refusing denounce his Christian faith and side with the "religion of peace." From National Catholic Register...

Bishop Malké will be beatified Aug. 29, the 100th anniversary of his martyrdom, during a liturgy celebrated by Ignatius Youssef III Younan, the Syriac patriarch of Antioch, at the convent of Our Lady of Deliverance in Lebanon. It is expected that thousands of Syrians and Iraqis displaced by the Islamic State will attend the beatification.

“In these painful times experienced by Christians, especially the Syriac communities in Iraq and Syria, the news of the beatification of one of their martyrs, will surely bring encouragement and consolation to face today's trials of appalling dimension,” read an Aug. 9 statement of the Syriac Patriarchate of Antioch.

“Blessed Martyr Michael, intercede for us, and protect especially the Christians in the Orient and all the world in these hard and painful days.”

Malké was born in 1858 in the village of Kalaat Mara, a village of the Ottoman Empire in what is now Turkey, to a Syriac Orthodox family. He joined a monastery of that Church and was ordained a deacon, but then converted to the Syriac Catholic Church. (Both the Syriac Orthodox and Syriac Catholics use the West-Syrian rite.)

After his conversion, he was ordained a priest in Aleppo in 1883. He was a member of the Fraternity of St. Ephrem and served parishes in southeastern Turkey, near his home.

Ottoman persecution of Christians began in earnest with the Hamidian massacres of 1894-1897. Malké's church and home were sacked and burned in 1895, and many of his parishioners were murdered, including his mother. In total, the massacres killed between 80,000 and 300,000 Christians.

He was selected to become a bishop in the 1890s, serving as a chorbishop and helping in the rebuilding of Christian villages. In 1913, he was consecrated bishop and appointed head of the Syriac Diocese of Gazireh (modern-day Cizre, 150 miles southeast of Diyarbakir).

A second round of persecution of Christians in the Ottoman Empire began in April 1915. Known as the Armenian Genocide, it targeted the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Christian minorities in the empire. The Assyrian genocide (the portion of the mass killings directed against Syriac and Chaldean Christians) is also known as the Seyfo Massacre, from the Syriac word for sword.

Some 1.5 million Christians were killed, and millions more were displaced during the genocide.

During the summer when the genocide broke out, Bishop Malké was in the Idil district, near Gazireh. In June 1915, hearing the Ottoman forces were preparing to massacre Gazireh's people, he returned.

According to the Syriac Patriarchate, when his friends and acquaintances urged him to withdraw from Gazireh to a safer location, he replied, “Even my blood I will shed for my sheep.”

Together with four of his priests and the Chaldean bishop of Gazireh, Philippe-Jacques Abraham, he was arrested and imprisoned for two months.

Bishop Malké refused to convert to Islam, and on Aug. 29, 1915, he was martyred.

Of course, we are well-aware that muslim persecution of Christians and other non-muslims continues unabated today. May Blessed Flavien-Michel Malké intercede for victims of islam the word over.

Update: YouTube video of the Divine Liturgy, in the Syriac Catholic Rite, for the Beatification of Bishop Flavien-Michel Malké.

Martyrs of Otranto

Reposted from August 14, 2013 and 2014.

********************

Today, August 14, is the Feast Day of the Martyrs of Otranto. These 800 faithful Christian Martyrs suffered and died under muslim brutality in the Italian city of Otranto in 1480. The brave men refused to renounced their faith, despite the threat of certain death for not giving in to the invaders. Pope Francis canonized the men in May of this year [2013].

See the previous post, "Martyrs of Otranto" for more information on these remarkable men.

Relics of the Otranto Martyrs

Let us pray that we all may be as strong and as faithful in the face of persecution.

Update 2014: History does indeed repeat. Today we are seeing muslim barbarians once again slaying hundreds of Catholics and others in their quest to expand satan's rule. And just like in 1480, the mohammedans are capturing women and children as sex slaves. The tenents of islam remain consistent over the centuries.

Update 2015: The genocide continues unabated.

The Martyrs of Otranto

Reposted from August 14, 2013.

********************

Today, August 14, is the Feast Day of the Martyrs of Otranto. These 800 faithful Christian Martyrs suffered and died under muslim brutality in the Italian city of Otranto in 1480. The brave men refused to renounced their faith, despite the threat of certain death for not giving in to the invaders. Pope Francis canonized the men in May of this year [2013].

See the previous post, "Martyrs of Otranto" for more information on these remarkable men.

Relics of the Otranto Martyrs

Let us pray that we all may be as strong and as faithful in the face of persecution.

Update 2014: History does indeed repeat. Today we are seeing muslim barbarians once again slaying hundreds of Catholics and others in their quest to expand satan's rule. And just like in 1480, the mohammedans are capturing women and children as sex slaves. The tenents of islam remain consistent over the centuries.

Feast of the Martyrs of Otranto

Today, August 14, is the Feast Day of the Martyrs of Otranto. These 800 faithful Christian Martyrs suffered and died under muslim brutality in the Italian city of Otranto in 1480. The brave men refused to renounced their faith, despite the threat of certain death for not giving in to the invaders. Pope Francis canonized the men in May of this year.

See the previous post, "Martyrs of Otranto" for more information on these remarkable men.

Relics of the Otranto Martyrs

Let us pray that we all may be as strong and as faithful in the face of persecution.

Martyrs of Otranto

This morning in Rome, Pope Francis canonized the 813 Martyrs of Otranto. These faithful Christians were victims of muslim brutality and conquest in the Italian city of Otranto in 1480. On August 11, the besieged town was overrun by Ottoman invaders. All men in the town over the age of 50 were slaughtered, and women and children under 15 were sent away into slavery. (That whole "religion of peace" meme notwithstanding.) The leader of the invaders, Pasha Ament ordered over 800 surviving Christian men brought before him and commanded them to convert to islam or face death. The faithful refused to cave in to his barbarous demands.

One of the men came forth and spoke in a manner that we should all pray we could emulate,

My brothers, until today we have fought in defense of our country, to save our lives, and for our lords; now it is time that we fight to save our souls for our Lord, so that having died on the cross for us, it is good that we should die for him, standing firm and constant in the faith, and with this earthly death we shall win eternal life and the glory of martyrs.

Angered that they would not renounce their faith, the Pasha ordered all the men killed. On August 14, 1480, the prisoners were brought to a nearby hill and beheaded, while their families and friends were forced to watch. According to tradition, the body of the first victim, tailor Antonio Primaldo, refused to fall over until the entire group had been executed. The destruction of the town complete, and its population decimated, the invaders continued their march toward Rome.

A year later, in October 1481, the bodies of the martyrs were found to be uncorrupted and moved to the Otranto cathedral. On December 14 1771, Pope Clement XIV beatified these brave men. Their cause for Sainthood is completed today as Pope Francis declares the Martyrs of Otranto to be among the Saints in Heaven.

Martyrs of Otranto, Ora pro nobis!

Relics of the Otranto Martyrs

Also see "How the 800 Martyrs of Otranto Saved Rome" for more on the martyrs and their place in the history of Christendom.