Posted on 10/03/2004 8:31:14 AM PDT by Truth666
VATICAN CITY : Pope John Paul II on Sunday beatified the last Austro-Hungarian emperor, Charles I, and a German mystic whose visions inspired Mel Gibson's controversial film "The Passion of the Christ".
The move brings the Habsburg emperor, who is remembered in Austria for authorising the use of mustard gas during World War I, and mystic Anna Katharina Emmerick one step from sainthood.
"I hope Emperor Charles will serve as an example, especially for those with political responsibilities in Europe today," the pope said during an open-air ceremony in Saint Peter's Square that was attended by 30,000 worshippers, including around 1,000 members of the Habsburg dynasty.
The pope also conferred the status of "blessed", the penultimate step to full sainthood, on two Frenchmen and an Italian nun.
Habsburg emperor Charles I became heir to the throne of the Austro-Hungarian empire on June 28, 1914, following the assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand, which historians say was the spark that ignited World War I. He was made emperor in November 1916 and crowned apostolic King of Hungary a month later.
His official biography, published by the Vatican, says he was committed to peace and was the only political leader to support Pope Benedict XV's peace efforts.
But his beatification has caused controversy in Austria, where Charles I is remembered for authorising the use of mustard gas during World War I and where critics believe his elevation to be politically driven by the conservative right.
The Austrian press has ridiculed not only the emperor's political record but the miracle he allegedly produced to merit beatification. According to the Vatican, he cured a Brazilian nun of varicose veins after doctors had given up all hope for her.
I notice that (A) you've been called ignorant, which is the mandatory response to anyone who points out some anti-Biblical position held by The Church {tm}; and (B) your undeniable Biblical observation has not been countered.
Dan
Ping.
Firstly - to correct misunderstandings about Catholic saints - it is very true that anyone who in truth does follow Christ Jesus, to the point of going to heaven, is a saint in the broad sense, as Heaven is intended for God's saints.
When the Church elevates a person to the honors of the altar, it is in recognition of the virtues of that persons life.....heroic virtues. Being "named" a saint does not mean that you were absolutely 100% pefect in life. Far from it - read the lives of saints. Many of them were great sinners, who converted. Many had very great faults and blindnesses.
God does not call those who are perfect - they are already with him. He calls those who are imperfect to perfect themselves in the carrying of their crosses in life. The public recognition of a persons "sainthood" is the holding up of the exemplary aspects of that persons life for our emulation. It is also a recognition of the intercessory powers of the saints with God, on our behalf.
Blessed Karl of Hapsburg - this article to the contrary - was a very pious man in the conduct of his life. A perfect leader - perhaps not. But a profoundly Catholic one, who tried to live his faith as Emporer, yes!
WWI was a coordinated scam to destroy the Catholic civilization of Europe......that which we call Christendom. That was its purpose, plain and simple. To eliminate Catholic monarchies, and the socio-economic unity which was that civilisation. To make possible the advance of Communism - which, as can be clearly demonstrated via a trip to your local library, was funded by Wall Street financial interests.
It had nothing to do with idealism, and everything to do with money. And the goals of globalism. And the destruction of the Judeo-Christian moral basis of society.
Seeing and understanding all this, Blessed Karl stood in the path of the Anglo-American putsch of Catholic European society. He consistantly pleaded for peace - repeatedly - throughout the war, in concert with the Pope. Both were ignored.......as the goal was the destruction of his empire.
So, he sacrificed himself, in a manner of speaking, in trying to preserve for as long as possible the unity of his empire, while seeking humane treatment of the common man, and of his enemies. He demanded that his officers treat POWs with dignity and civility, attending to their needs.
To my mind, both as a Catholic, and as a decendant of the peoples of his Empire, he was a hero - and a saint.
As to beatification rules, the pope is Supreme Legislator of Canon Law and, in that capacity, may alter or waive its provisions as in the case of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta as he sees fit.
TRUTH666: Since Roman Catholicism is evidently not your religion, why is this any of your business????? Run whatever church you may belong to as you or whoever may see fit. As to the RCC, mind your own business. We owe you no apologies or explanations.
As to beatification rules, the pope is Supreme Legislator of Canon Law and, in that capacity, may alter or waive its provisions as in the case of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta as he sees fit.
TRUTH666: Since Roman Catholicism is evidently not your religion, why is this any of your business????? Run whatever church you may belong to as you or whoever may see fit. As to the RCC, mind your own business. We owe you no apologies or explanations.
Ultimate trilogy of satanic cerimonies, extending over a time period of exactly one month.
This was the first cerimony, at the very same city where the second took place today ...
John Paul II grimaces as he tries to deliver his Urbi et Orbi blessing to the pilgrims gathered in St-Peter's square at the Vatican , during the Easter mass. Though he struggled with all his might, a frail Pope John Paul II failed to voice a traditional Easter Sunday blessing for the first time in his 26-year pontificate - the same thing happened when he was reading the laudatio for Charles I ...
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