Book Review 1: Blessed Charles of Austria: A Holy Emperor and His Legacy by Charles Coulombe

About this sermon

In this episode, author and historian Charles Coulombe joins us to discuss his latest book, Blessed Charles of Austria (available from TAN Books). Charles takes us on a fascinating journey through the life of Blessed Emperor Charles I of Austria, also known as Karl of Austria, the last Habsburg emperor. We explore his extraordinary faith, leadership during World War I, his devotion as a husband and father, and why he remains so beloved today across the world—with shrines dedicated to him in Europe, the United States, and beyond. Discover why Pope St. John Paul II beatified Emperor Charles in 2004, why his wife Empress Zita is also on the path to sainthood, and why his example of Catholic leadership, peace, family life, and devotion to Christ is so powerful for today. Charles Coulombe also reflects on: Blessed Charles’ upbringing and family background. His deep devotion to the Sacred Heart, the Rosary, and the Eucharist. His role as a soldier-king who saw the horrors of war firsthand. His heroic attempts to bring peace during World War I. His exile, suffering, and holy death in 1922. The growth of devotion to him across the world, including in the U.S. and Latin America. Why modern people long for leaders like him today. 0:00 – Introduction: Charles Coulombe on Blessed Charles of Austria 1:14 – Why Charles Wrote This Book & His Move to Austria 2:43 – Who Was Blessed Charles of Austria? 3:54 – Beatification by Pope John Paul II & Connection to His Family 6:12 – The Habsburg Dynasty & Family Background 8:46 – A Saint From a Broken Home: Lessons From His Parents 9:17 – Early Devotion: Sacred Heart, Rosary & Catholic Piety 9:43 – Soldier at the Front: The Only Emperor Who Fought in WWI 11:27 – Why He Was Called the “Peace Emperor” 13:00 – His Relationship With Franz Ferdinand & Emperor Franz Joseph 14:44 – Heroic Story: Rescuing a Soldier in the Flooded Alps 15:43 – Becoming Emperor in 1916: Peace and Federation Goals 17:26 – The Collapse of Austria-Hungary & Exile to Switzerland 18:47 – Attempts to Reclaim His Throne in Hungary 19:54 – Exile in Madeira & His Holy Death in 1922 22:56 – The Emperor Karl League & Devotion to Him 23:56 – Why Blessed Charles Is So Popular Today 25:56 – Leadership, Fatherhood & Catholic Statesmanship 27:38 – Lessons for Today: Faith, Conscience & Staying True 30:50 – Final Reflections on Society, Courage & Catholic Leadership 31:15 – Where to Get the Book & Closing Remarks https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-100411497-14509653?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tanbooks.com%2Fblessed-charles-of-austria-a-holy-emperor-and-his-legacy.html & type SF15 at checkout for 15% off Charles' book on Blessed Karl #BlessedCharles #CatholicSaints #CharlesCoulombe #Habsburg #CatholicHistory #TANBooks #CatholicFaith #CatholicMonarchy #WorldWarIHistory #CatholicLeadership #CatholicPodcast #catholicyoutubers

Topics

• Holiness
• Blessing & Favor