For more, follow Dale on Twitter @DaleHurd and at Facebook.com/dalehurdnews
Cardinal Christoph Schönborn says that many Muslims wish for another conquest of Europe and Europeans are like the prodigal son who squandered his inheritance.
The Viennese Archbishop was preaching Sunday at the feast of Mariä Namen, which marks the victory of the Christian armies over the Ottoman Turks in the battle of Vienna on Sept. 12, 1683.
"We ourselves are the very ones who have placed the Christian heritage of Europe in danger. Is this a third Islamic attempt to conquer Europe? Many Muslims say that Europe is at the end," Schönborn said in his homily.
"The prospect of a European Christian renewal is up to us. We must return to Christ, spread his Gospel and to deal with our fellow human beings, even strangers, with Him in our hearts, with love and responsibility," he continued.
He told the Catholic newspaper Der Sonntag that "Europe's Christian heritage is in danger because we Europeans have squandered it. It has nothing to do with Islam or even refugees. It is clear that Islamists would like to exploit our weakness, but they are not responsible for our weakness. We Europeans are responsible for that."
In his homily, Schönborn prayed, "Lord, we ask today for Europe that you will once again give us a chance. Don't forget that we are your people. And if we have gone astray and forsaken our heritage, Lord, do not fail us."