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As a faithful son of Mary he honored his heavenly Mother through imitation

Michael McFarland Campbell

Day Nine:
The Blessed Virgin Mary

On the day of his death the Emperor asked his wife which day it was.

The Mother of God’s day,

answered the Empress.

Saturday, then,

he confirmed delighted. After his death, the body of Emperor Karl was placed in the Marian church of Nossa Senhora do Monte on Madeira, where it still rests today.

Throughout his life the protective mantle of Mary shielded Emperor Karl, which can be seen in the major events of his life: Continue reading “As a faithful son of Mary he honored his heavenly Mother through imitation”

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I am grateful to our loving God for all that He sends.

Michael McFarland Campbell

Day Eight:
Faithful Fulfillment of the Will of God

Emperor Karl sought the Will of God in everything he did. For him it was the most important principle of his life and all of his actions. Eyewitnesses also tell of his love of chastity, and his absolute refusal to tolerate indecent language in his presence.

Empress Zita relates what he said to her on his deathbed:

‘To be angry? To complain? When you know God’s Will, all things are good.’ And after a while: ‘I want to say now very clearly to you, how it is with me: My entire endeavor has always been to clearly recognize the Will of God in all things and to follow it as completely as possible.’ After some time, he repeated: ‘Only let us not complain.’

The phrase

Thy Will be done!

was a guiding tenet in the life of Blessed Karl, and one he repeated shortly before he placed his soul into the hands of his Creator. With Christ, Emperor Karl could say: Continue reading “I am grateful to our loving God for all that He sends.”

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But I will never renounce my coronation oath.

Michael McFarland Campbell

Day Seven:
The Sovereign

Eyewitnesses praise Blessed Karl’s profound sense of duty. He understood the obligation of emperor given to him as a sacred trust, and saw himself as a father to his peoples. In a conversation with Count Polzer-Hoditz on April 28, 1917, the Emperor said:

It comes down, however, to simply help as much as one can help. As emperor I must set a good example. If everyone would only practice his Christian duty, there would not be so much hate and misery in the world.

His love for neighbor was exemplary. To ease the suffering of his war-weary peoples, Emperor Karl ordered that the palace horses and wagons be put into service to deliver coal to the Viennese population, donated much of his private fortune to the poor, and even gave away clothes from his own closet to the needy. Continue reading “But I will never renounce my coronation oath.”

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let them die rather than commit a mortal sin, Amen!

Michael McFarland Campbell

Day Six:
Devoted Father

One of the biggest hardships for Emperor Karl was the separation from his children as he and Empress Zita were sent into exile on Madeira. The children remained in Switzerland until Empress Zita, with many restrictions, could travel there and bring them back with her to Madeira. Continue reading “let them die rather than commit a mortal sin, Amen!”

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I forgive all my enemies, all who have slandered me, and all who have worked against me.

Michael McFarland Campbell

Day Five:
“Love Your Enemy”

The Emperor heroically practiced the commandment to

love your enemy.

Throughout his life he continually, and in exemplary ways, pardoned others. Emperor Karl suffered greatly from lies, slander and many hardships throughout his life. Yet, the ultimate example of his pardoning others were the words he uttered on his deathbed:

I forgive all my enemies, all who have slandered me, and all who have worked against me.

On April 5, 1925, Rudolf Brougier, former aide-du-camp, wrote in his memoirs about Emperor Karl before his ascension to the throne in 1916: Continue reading “I forgive all my enemies, all who have slandered me, and all who have worked against me.”

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I have to suffer so much, so that my peoples may come together again.

Michael McFarland Campbell

Day Four: Sharing in Christ’s Passion—Greatness in Suffering Although Emperor Karl was forced into exile and had to move his family into a crowded villa at the top of a mountain near Funchal, he kept a positive attitude and cheerful disposition. He would say to those who asked: We are undeservedly fine. Following Christ’s example, he willingly took up his own cross for the sake of his peoples. He offered his sufferings to Christ crucified: his exile, his concern for the well-being of his homeland and peoples; and his concern for his family, who lacked food, medical supplies, and were … Continue reading I have to suffer so much, so that my peoples may come together again.

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There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

Michael McFarland Campbell

Day Three: A Life of Sacrifice There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. By the time Blessed Emperor Karl was exiled to the island of Madeira his life was already one of making sacrifices for others. He lost his homeland, empire and throne. His own people confiscated his private money and possessions. Penniless, friendless, and unable to earn a living, he had a wife and seven children, with another one on the way, to support. He was forced to live under foreign control on a far away island in a disagreeably damp house … Continue reading There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

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More bean bags we require. – Yoda

Michael McFarland Campbell

Yoda is not often found on Catholic blogs. Recently retired Jedi Master am I, not a Catholic. So like all the other charlatans on this website I am being. To attend the Old Mass do you wish, young Skywalker? Much have you to learn. Are you not realising what in the old days it was like? The priest was to the wall facing and in a dead language was he speaking. To turn back the clock it is not possible. Mm-Hmm. A meal is the Eucharist – a sacrifice it is not. To celebrate ourselves and each other’s love must … Continue reading More bean bags we require. – Yoda

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It is so good to have faith in the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Without it, the hardships would be impossible to withstand.

Michael McFarland Campbell

Day Two: An Emperor Devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Jesus, gentle and humble of heart, form our hearts to be like Your Heart. On October 2, 1918, Blessed Karl consecrated himself and his family to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Through his suffering from being misjudged, slandered, and persecuted, his willingness to sacrifice his life for his peoples, his exile, and through his painful, fatal illness, Emperor Karl allowed his heart to be formed in union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Even in exile and sickness the Emperor took to heart his duties as monarch and father … Continue reading It is so good to have faith in the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Without it, the hardships would be impossible to withstand.

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I must go to see if the altar light is still burning.

Michael McFarland Campbell

Day One: Reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament Blessed Karl lived under the glory of the Blessed Sacrament. The rays of grace from this splendor attracted him, and he loved to visit the tabernacle. Whether stressed by the strains of government or just the ordinary beginning of his day, he sought guidance and solace before Jesus Christ in the tabernacle. Wherever he lived, he sought to have a private chapel where the Blessed Sacrament could be reserved. His devotion to the Eucharist manifested itself even in small details, such as his concern that the sanctuary lamp should never be allowed … Continue reading I must go to see if the altar light is still burning.

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