Blessed Carl of Austria

 

November 21 is the feast of Blessed Karl of Austria - the last emperor of the Austro-Hungary Empire.  He reigned for two years - 1916-1918, in the final stages of the First World War.  He was brought down in the wave of anti-royalist sentiment that also brought down Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany and Czar Nicholas II of Russia.  What is particularly unique about Bl. Karl, and thus, the reason he IS a blessed, is his great piety and his immense love for his wife, Servant of God Zita, and his family.  He is truly an inspiring, if tragic, figure and one whose example might be profitably followed by all men, especially those of means or power.  There was a very nice interview of his grandson, the Archduke Imre in yesterday's National Catholic Register.  I hope you'll take the time to read it.  Enjoy!