In 1529, a great battle was going on between Austria and Turkey. At a crucial point in this conflict the Ottoman Turks attempted to take the capital of the country - the city of Vienna. Not being able to overcome the defenses of the city, the Turks then secretly redirected their efforts, and planned to tunnel their way underneath the city walls. At dawn, they would launch a surprise attack on the city… from the inside.

Unfortunately for the Turks, God arranged a most interesting way for them to be discovered. Right beside the city wall stood a quiet monastery. That morning, deep in the basement of their monastery, the monks were also busy; baking their pretzels. (Read Dominique’s FF #205."The Pretzel - A Catholic Snack").

While they were baking, the monks began to hear strange noises, and soon recognized them to be the sounds of digging! They looked at each other in confusion. What an odd noise to be hearing in the basement! By Heaven’s inspiration, they realized that it must be the besieging Turks. Rushing from the monastery, the monks immediately warned the rest of city.

Because of this timely warning, the militia was able to find and stop the progress of the Turks’ tunnels. It was a important turning point in the battle, and quickly led to the defeat of the Turks, and the halting of their advancement in Austria. The Austrian Emperor was so grateful that he gave all pretzel bakers their very own coat of arms. And so, God used the humble and diligent pretzel-baking monks to save the city of Vienna!