Honoring the Legacy of Saintly Catholic Royals Charles and Zita: 2 Ways to Celebrate Today

Saintly Catholic royals lived in modern times

In a world where fairy tales seem to belong to a bygone era, the story of Blessed Charles of Austria and Servant of God Zita of Bourbon-Parma stands out as a shining example of holiness and devotion in the modern age. The last emperor and empress of Austria, this royal couple lived lives of heroic virtue during a time of great turmoil.

Married for only eleven years before Charles passed away in 1922, Charles and Zita welcomed eight children into their family. Zita, left to raise their children alone, lived for 67 years after her husband’s death, honoring his memory by wearing black until her own passing in 1989.

Their marriage was a model for Christian couples, with Charles famously telling Zita the day after their wedding, “Now, we must help each other to get to Heaven.” The Church chose to celebrate their feast day on their wedding anniversary, highlighting their commitment to their marriage vows and their daily sacrifice for each other.

To honor the legacy of this saintly royal couple, married couples can take inspiration from their example. By praying for their spouses and doing something special for their families, couples can emulate the love and devotion that Charles and Zita shared throughout their lives.

As we reflect on the lives of Blessed Charles and Servant of God Zita, we are reminded that holiness knows no bounds of time or place. Their story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who strive to live out their faith in the midst of the challenges of the modern world.