In Remembrance of the Battle of Kahlenberg (13 September 1983)

On Tuesday, 13 September 1983, the Holy Father commemorated the Battle of Kahlenberg, when the Ottoman Empire was defeated. The battle was fought by the Holy Roman Empire and the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth against the Ottomans and their vassal and tributary states. The battle marked the first time the Commonwealth and the Holy Roman Empire had cooperated militarily against the Ottomans. The defeat is often seen as a turning point for Ottoman expansion into Europe, after which they would gain no further ground.

 With joy and a moved heart I greet all of you gathered here at the top of Kahlenberg, on this last morning of my visit to Austria. I thank you for the warm welcome, the noble words and the joyful singing.

When a great and decisive battle began three hundred years ago on the heights of the Wienerwald, the words of the Psalm acquired a new and realistic meaning for the men of the beleaguered city: "To the mountains I lift my eyes; where will help come from? My help will come from the Lord" ( Ps . 120/121, 1 and ff).

The church located on Mount Kahlenberg reminds us that the liberators were also aware that success depended on help from heaven. They did not want to start the fight without first begging God for help. And this plea continued throughout the battle: "Jesus and Mary, help us!"

If confidence in Mary's powerful intercession encouraged those threatened people during the months of fear, this convinced them even more to attribute the victory to Her maternal mediation; That's why September 12th, every year, is dedicated to her, on the feast of Mary.

It was a gift for me to be able to celebrate this festival on the 300th anniversary of the liberation. To commemorate this event, this festival was instituted by my predecessor in the Cathedral of the liberated capital, 'in spiritual union' with those who once — in need before and in joy later —- had prayed and sang in that house of God. Do not stop praying and singing; The name of Mary was also given to us today as a refuge, because in our days we have no less reason to implore her: "Mary, spread out your cloak, make it a shield and a protection; let it cover us and support us until the storms are not calmed."

On the way to the sanctuary of Mariazell, I take all of you with me in my thoughts. To Maria's maternal love I commend all those who collaborated in the preparation and realization of the great "Katholikentag". I would like to thank you and your families for your commitment and sacrifices, and I would like to say: "May God reward you!". But I would like to ask you to remember that the work to be done after such an event is equally important as its preparation. Perhaps it is less apparent work, but precisely for this reason we should not hesitate to dedicate ourselves to it with fantasy and constancy.

I would like to take you, my fellow Poles, with me to the Magna Mater Austriae and Mater Gentium Slavorum . The profound union that was created under the mantle of Mary, on September 12th, between Austria and Poland demonstrated precisely in these days its ability to create an authentic fraternity.

Praise be to Jesus Christ!

Dear compatriots!

Welcome. In a few words, I would like to highlight the significance of this moment that we live together here, in Kahlenberg, remembering the victory of Polish weapons and the coalition of European countries under the guidance of our King Jan III Sobieski. This moment gives rise to so many reflections, as it is an event that saved the culture and Christianity of Europe, being deeply inscribed in its history. Decided on your destiny.

Above all, however, this anniversary and this meeting today awaken in us a deep gratitude for the great works that God performs in and through men. Exactly so thought Jan III Sobieski when, with the words Venimus, vidimus, Deus vicit , he announced the victory to the Pope.

In the pages of the Old Testament, the Prophets, spiritual leaders of the chosen people, say that the only means that lead to victory and the reacquisition of lost freedom is interior conversion, moral order, faith and fidelity to the covenant pact made with the Sir.

And in such categories it is necessary to place Vienna's victory. It was first and foremost the strength of faith that induced the King and his army to face a mortal threat, in defense of the freedom of Europe and the Church, and to carry out this historic mission to the end.

It is very significant that the King, during his journey to Vienna, stopped at Jasna Góra where he confessed and participated in several Masses. In the Carmelite church in Krakow, he knelt before the painting of the "Lady of Krakow" and set the day of the Assumption for his departure from this city. He prayed before the miraculous painting at Piekary Slaskie.

The act of consecrating a chapel to Our Lady of Jasna Góra today, here in Kahlenberg, on the site of the victorious battle, acquires a particular significance in this context. It is the expression of recognition to our Mother who was given to us "in defense", and a tribute from which we wish to draw the courage to resist in defense of the values ​​threatened today.

Naturally, I would like to take Mariazell, especially students, girls and boys. I wish I could tell Mary that your heart is open to all the calls of her Son as she desires: "Do whatever He tells you" ( Jn 2:5). Have confidence in Him! He needs you: your enthusiasm, your ideas, your strength, yes, also these; but above all from your young heart full of hope. Have confidence in Him, who will guide you to marriage, a religious life or the priesthood; everywhere, you are the Church, but let Him decide.

He needs men who carry out the work of their Lord in the Church as priests, as I have done in these days among you. Have trust in Him! It is a magnificent adventure that is worth any effort.

Dear friends. The day that the Church remembers at the top of Kahlenberg was decisive for the lives and deaths of tens of thousands of soldiers and citizens and for the political and religious destiny of entire peoples throughout the centuries. Such a retrospective look makes us feel very small. But the Lord, who guides history, also has in His hands and in His heart the path of life for each one of us. Let us trust Him in both big things and small things.

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