Post by REAL HEROES!

REAL HEROES! - Blessed Karl of Austria "Now we must help each other get to Heaven." Karl Franz Josef Ludwig Hubert Georg Otto Maria Pietzner was born on August 17, 1887, in the Castle of Persenbeug, Austria. He was the 1st born to Archduke Otto Franz and Archduchess Maria Josepha of Saxony and the grand-nephew of the Emperor, far from the line of succession. He was tutored privately, taught the Catholic faith, and loved to practice it through performing tasks to raise money for the poor. At 16 he was enlisted into the Imperial Army, and was an inspiration to fellow soldiers, working his way up the ranks. In 1907, he was declared of age, carried out military duties but led the life of a simple prince. At 24, he began thinking of marriage and remembered the younger sister of a childhood playmate, Princess Zita of Bourbon-Parma. She was beautiful, vivacious, and religiously devout. With the help of others due to his shyness, he courted her and proposed to her in front of the Blessed Sacrament, and placed their engagement under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On the eve of their wedding, he tells her, "Now we must help each other get to Heaven." They had 8 children and their family and devotion to God were the priority. On June 28, 1914, the Heir Apparent, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, was assassinated, making Karl the new Heir Apparent. WWI, a war he believes is immoral, breaks out and he is called to lead military actions. They turn victorious and he commands his officers to ensure that all wounded are cared for as quickly as possible. He forbid stealing, plundering, and wanton destruction. 2 years later, while praying the rosary with his wife at the deathbed of the emperor, he is addressed as "Your Majesty". As a Catholic monarch, he embraced his office as the Will of God. He made all attempts at peace which fail. The Pope also proposed a plan for peace that only Karl accepted. The others looked to continue the war for their own selfish reasons. He created a Catholic press, used palace horses and carriages for deliveries to those in need, and gave away his personal wealth. He distributed beyond his means for the war-disabled, widows, orphans, and unemployed. His empire unraveled at the conclusion of the war with his prophetic voice rejected. The Church's voice was ignored and he was requested to relinquish his position. He refused but was coerced by socialists and went into exile. His subjects longed for his return and he made 2 attempts but was betrayed. Karl was arrested and exiled on the island of Madeira along with his wife. His children didn't join them for several months. Karl became severely ill with pneumonia and influenza and realized he was dying. On April 1, 1922, he received Holy Communion and the Last Rights, and kissed a crucifix while saying, "Thy Holy Will be done. Jesus, come!" He died at the age of 34. For God's Glory. REAL HEROES! Website Posting: https://lnkd.in/gH5wwYzS