REMEMBER DCCC! What makes us think it won't happen again?

J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R.*

Skull Cathedral

Otranto, Italy

Eight hundred Catholic martyrs in glass-fronted cases behind the altar.

Some details from various websites:

Mehmed II (Mohammed II) made Constantinople (present-day Istanbul) the new capital of the Ottoman Empire, and he assumed the title of Kayser-i Rûm (Caesar Romanus = Roman Emperor). The Russian Tsars also claimed to be the successors to the eastern imperial title. To consolidate his claim, Mehmed II wanted to gain control over the Western capital, Rome, and Ottoman forces occupied parts of the Italian Peninsula. They started with the invasion of Otranto and Apulia on 28 July 1480. After Mehmed II's death on 3 May 1481 the campaign in Italy was cancelled and Ottoman forces retreated.

“The gray-haired Archbishop was dragged from the altar and his body sawed in two”

“Turkish commander summons 800 inhabitants, all of the able-bodied men, and forces them to choose between the Muslim faith and death. All 800 [martyrs] are beheaded on the hill of Minerva, and their skulls are preserved in the cathedral.”

http://chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/articolo/161401?eng=y

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottoman_invasion_of_Otranto

Sincerely yours in Jesus and Mary,

Mike Rizzio

Imitate Mary
Become like Jesus
Live for the Triune God

Seek the Light of Our Lord Jesus Christ
See you on the High Ground!

* - J.M.J. + O.B.T. + M.G.R. stands for:
Jesus, Mary and Joseph;
O Beata Trinitas;
St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael