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!”
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gyronny Herald 