Today is the feast of Charles of Austria, who was the last Emperor of Austria and worked for a peaceful end to World War I. With our Austro-Hungarian connections both as an order and as a house, the cult of Blessed Charles (or Karl) found a ready following at Spring Bank. Our new basement recreation room is to be called the Karlkeller and each Sunday at Benedicition we have this prayer:
Provident Father, we ask that through the intercession of Karl I, who faithfully served you and your people in his empire, that your monastery of Spring Bank may be afforded significant financial improvement and at least five good vocations. Through your grace, Karl's family were the founders and benefactors of much of our patrimony. We ask that through his intercession this tradition of support may be continued in this monastery, where we try humbly to serve you and to assist your children throughout the world with the means made available to us. We ask this through your Son, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirist, one God forever and ever.
Andrew Cusack has this excellent piece on Blessed Charles.
In addition to the regular schedule for a memorial, we will mark the day with a community meal and Benediction.
