Book Review - Blessed Charles of Austria: A Holy Emperor and His Legacy

-

Blessed Charles of Austria: A Holy Emperor and His Legacy
Charles A. Coulombe
TAN Books (also available on Amazon)
388 Pages

In a dromocratic world where everything we do must be up-to-the-millisecond, why write a review of a book that came out *gasp* last year? Still more, why write a review for a book on the last Holy Emperor, as though a Catholic monarchy were, begrudgingly, anything more than a pipe dream in our current democratic - rule of the mob - days of Trudeau and Biden? A few thoughts on this:

1) I initially ignored this book. However, people just wouldn't stop talking about it, and so I finally read it.
2) I can see now why people have continued to talk about this book. It clearly is of immense quality, and it deserves to be enjoyed by many others.
3) Though signaling the end of an era, the life of Blessed Charles, as you will see, is most applicable to our own lives, and in our own times.

Blessed Charles of Austria begins with a mini-history lesson on the Holy Roman Empire. Warning: Some may get lost by the avalanche of names and events thrown at the reader. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Most of my university studies were done over 10-years-ago, and the quick historical refresher penetrated my muddled mind with rays of academic light.

With the historical table being set, Charles Coulombe delves into the life of the holy Habsburg, Blessed Charles. It is a tale of intrigue, heartbreak, suffering, virtue, ominous dreams, and supernatural faith. Coulombe has not merely written a historical account, he has spilled his enthusiasm, brilliance, and passion onto the pages. The effect being that the reader becomes a part of the story. We feel what it was like when Franz Ferdinand was assassinated. We can see the colours and pageantry of Blessed Charles' coronation. We can taste the bitterness and betrayal of so many worldly and small-minded men who sought "progress" over peace. We can experience, in some small way, how a truly saintly man (and woman, to mention his wife Zita) continues on through it all, faith unshaken, love unbounded. 

If I may, here is a brief snippet from Blessed Charles' final moments:

"At one point, as Zita was saying one short prayer after another into his ear, he said the last words he would ever speak to her in this world, 'I love you so much.' Charles tried to lift the crucifix he was holding to his lips, but he was too weak, and let it down, sighing. He then said, 'I can't go on,' after which, 'Thy will be done... Yes... yes... As you will it... Jesus,' and died with the holy name on his lips. [...] 

"It was noticed by onlookers after Charles was laid in his coffin that the face of the dead emperor appeared to be getting younger and younger" (pp. 265-266).

Not at all a boring historical account, wouldn't you say? But then again, as those familiar with the author can attest, the words "boring" and "Coulombe" have no part with one another.

* * *

As a brief aside, did you know that Karol Wojtyla was named after Emperor Charles? And that in 2004 it was the same Karol Wojtyla (JPII) who beatified Blessed Charles? Such was the impact of this young Emperor. And further, have you ever heard the story of how a deceased Emperor is laid to rest in Austria? It is fascinating... but you will have to read the book to find out more.

* * *

I will conclude by claiming that the life and legacy of Blessed Charles applies to our times as well. There is much I could say in this regard, but I will restrain myself to one central thought. I cannot help but think of the past 18 months. We have been enduring one persecution and betrayal after another. Jobs have been lost. Loneliness has been mandated. Breathing regulated. Physical "health" has become a god, while spiritual health has been separated from God. Insanity reigns. Holiness is exiled. Even in the past few weeks I think of my own provincial traditional Latin Mass organization. We, the lowly laity with a host of children to raise in the faith, have, for the time being, had the Mass - the same one cherished daily by Blessed Charles - taken away. The sheep are scattered. Everything seems to be coming undone. It is a burden which feels too heavy for us.

Well such was the life of Blessed Charles. He inherited a war and a revolution which gave him approximately zero chance of success. Yes, he may have been too trusting and kind (if only I had "faults" like that), but his life seems to have been one short and grueling sprint of unimaginable suffering. Every turn was met be a prodigious cross. Every step forward brought a heavy blow. It should have crushed this royal couple. It should have turned them to dust, or at the very least sent them to an institution. It did not. The faith of Charles (and Zita) is perhaps amongst the greatest you shall ever witness. It is what happens when souls are formed for greatness, and when hearts are transformed by the love of the Sacred Heart.

Charles Coulombe has written a superlative book. How fitting, for the book is written for one who lived a superlative life. 

Blessed Charles of Austria, pray for us.




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Some Concerns with the Exodus 90 Program

-
Image
An update of my thoughts on Exodus 90 can be found HERE . Exodus 90 is underway for many Catholic men. It is an intense 90 day program based on prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. For 90 days these men will take cold showers, abstain from alcohol and most media, fast twice per week, give up snacks and desserts, along with various other spiritual tasks. I applaud such a penitential spirit. The inevitable…. HOWEVER… However, I do have two concerns about Exodus 90 which could use some explaining. 1: Sundays The Church already has a wise, if not perfect, system of fasting and feasting. Catholics are encouraged to do penance on Wednesdays and Fridays (some add in Saturdays as well). In addition, there are specific periods of penance (Lent, Advent, Ember Days). Feasting occurs on Sundays as well as on major Feast Days and Solemnities (e.g. the Assumption of Mary). There is a built in balance to life. My problem with Exodus 90 is that, from what I hear, Sundays and F
Read more

Why I Will Not Be Doing Exodus 90 Anytime Soon

-
Image
  There is always a certain amount of fear and trembling when I begin writing a piece on a somewhat unfamiliar subject. Perhaps all that will be demonstrated here is my ignorance and incompetence. To which I suppose my wife would reply: “You’d think you’d be used to that by now.” But I write this piece simply for the fact that Catholic trends, even good ones, need sober reflection and refinement. I  refer to the Exodus 90 program. [i] Earlier in 2020 – simpler times to be sure - I listened with interest to a podcast on Exodus 90. In it I heard that this program, which was founded in 2013, is an intense 90 day program based on prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. For 90 days men take cold showers, abstain from alcohol and most media, fast twice per week, give up snacks and desserts, meet weekly with a small group of participants, exercise regularly, all the while following a regimented prayer schedule. I applaud such a penitential spirit (though it seems that cold showers in the de
Read more

On Wimpy Catholicism and a Return to Manly Fasting

-
Image
The following is a talk I recently gave at a Catholic men's group: Let’s begin by examining the secular “wokeness” on fasting. Gone are the days of weight loss programs like Weight Watchers… where you simply eat less each meal! Sounds simple, right? Fewer calories means you lose weight. The problem is that it never worked that well. The reduced number of calories per meal also reduced one’s energy as well, dipped into muscle storage, and offered frugal results. Science now shows that full out fasting is the perfect method for proper health. The secular world’s latest trend is intermittent fasting . One builds up how long a person can go in between meals. The ideal is to eat one meal a day. The meal could consist of almost your regular day’s intake (say 75%). What happens is that your body, when full out fasting, actually dips into fat storage for energy. You maintain your energy, lose weight, and it’s perfectly healthy, if not natural. Science shows that intermittent
Read more

My First SSPX Mass

-
Image
I do not write to stir up the SSPX/FSSP debate. Nor do I write to raise allegations and threats concerning being  in communion ,  schismatic , or  a   loyal son of the Church . I find doing so tiresome. If a person cannot recognize the Church is in a crisis; if a person thinks it spiritually superior to attend a polka Mass (they still exist, I assure you) over an SSPX Mass; if the mention of Archbishop Lefebvre angers a person more than the deeds of  James Martin  or the writings of  Cardinal Fernandez ; heaven help this person. Lord knows I can’t. If one “gets” what I’m saying, read on. If not, I suggest  this book  instead. It happened this past summer. My wife and I were planning our usual family pilgrimage to the Canadian Rockies. Climbing mountains while carrying a kid or two, eating rehydrated chili and peanut butter wraps, all while living like dirtbags in a tent, is the closest experience to heaven I know. Moments to live for. All except for one minor detail. “So,” my wif
Read more

Free Printables for Disconnected: The Broken Path

-
Image
  “ This story came as a wonderful surprise—I was expecting a children's story (which I got), but the truths it touches on brought me to tears several times. The ending was special and beautiful.” - From a review of Disconnected: The Broken Path To purchase Disconnected: Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1778052509 USA: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1778052509
Read more

The Fire of Hell is Unlike Anything Here on Earth

-
Image
  It is good occasionally to think of the fires of hell. Knowledge of the physical torments alone ought to convert us closer to Christ. I offer a brief selection from  St. Alphonsus Liguori's Preparation for Death: The Fire of Hell. The pain which most severely torments the senses of the damned arises from the fire of hell, which tortures the sense of touch. The vengeance on the flesh of the ungodly is fire and worms. Hence, in passing sentence, the Lord makes special mention of it. Depart from Me, you cursed, into everlasting fire. Even in this life, the pain of fire is the greatest of all torments; but according to St. Augustine, our fire, compared with the fire of hell, is but painted fire. St. Vincent Ferrer says, that in comparison with the fire of hell our fire is cold. The reason is, that the fire of this earth has been created for our use; but God has made the fire of hell purposely to torment the damned. As Tertullian remarks: "Fire which is made for the use of man i
Read more