News and Commentary by Br. Alexis Bugnolo
As you can see from the news report above (click image to read it), on Sunday morning this week 2 ISIS terrorists entered the Church of Santa Maria, on the outskirts of downtown Istanbul to commit an atrocity against the Catholics attending the 11 A. M. Mass.
There were two perpetrators. One who entered the Church brandishing a pistol, the other who waited at the door as a look out.
The intent was clearly a massacre.
There was no other ostensible motive but hatred for Christians, since the Church is run by Franciscans from Italy, a nation which is a strong supporter of friendly relations with all Islamic Countries. Franciscans too are the Order with the best relations with Muslims, ever since their founder personally met with the Sultan of Egypt shortly after the conclusion of hostilities, during the Fifth Crusade.
But, though there were no security to stop the atrocity, only 1 man was slain.
And the reason why, was a miracle. Because just as the assailant began to shoot, his pistol jammed.
Where police and soldiers cannot, Our Lady can.
The Church is dedicated to the Holy Mother of God. The Parish has a FaceBook Page, here.
But maybe someone will say, “What miracle? since one man died!” — It appears that the man who did die was mentally disabled and Turkish, a Muslim. Killed out of hatred of Christ, he merited the crown by a baptism of blood, his presence in the Church being sufficient evidence of his desire to believe in Christ.
Just as no one can snatch a soul from the Hands of God, so He has granted that no one can snatch a child from the hands of the Mother of God. To Him be all praise and glory. Amen!
There is a follow-up report about this miracle here.
Some years ago, I was in the capital of a Muslim majority nation. It was a business trip, but I had about three hours spare before departure, so I headed to the city centre to see just two major local sites of interest – a mosque and a Catholic cathedral not too far away.
I was not allowed to get near the mosque, as it was Friday prayers. So I went a bit earlier than expected to the cathedral.
Reading MANY online comments about the cathedral, the vast majority were positive and respectful, from local Muslims who had for various reasons been attracted to visit the cathedral and had found it peaceful compared to the mosque.
Your commentary is beautiful and very moving. Blessed be the Name of the Lord.
Our Lady of Zeitoun averted a Christian persecution in Egypt .https://youtu.be/YYaDBzy73aY?si=yBTlPjoQthFw8Z5m
To celebrate, it would be simply lovely if every church in the world provided a person to lead in The Holy Rosary before every Mass this coming Sat. Night and Sunday. Who knows, maybe Jesus would act to bring all the evil to a halt in honor of Our Lady.
All Glory and Honor to almighty Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.