Emperor Karl Prayer League

Overview

The Emperor Karl Prayer League, also known as the Gebetsliga, is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the life and virtues of Blessed Karl of Austria, the last Emperor of Austria-Hungary. The league focuses on advancing his cause for canonization and encouraging followers to emulate his examples of faith, sacrifice, and pursuit of peace.

History and Mission

Blessed Karl, who ascended to the throne in 1916 during the tumult of World War I, is revered for his heroic and saintly life. Despite the challenges of his time, he remained committed to his faith and his mission to bring peace to his people. The Emperor Karl Prayer League carries on this legacy by encouraging its members to live a life aligned with Karl's values, particularly through prayer and sacrifice.

Activities

Members of the league engage in several key activities:

• Prayer and Devotion: Members pray daily using beatification prayers or other prayers specific to the league. They are also encouraged to actively participate in Mass and offer Mass intentions for the league's work and the intercession of Blessed Karl.
• Community Engagement: The league sponsors Masses, lectures, and other events throughout the year. Members are invited to support these activities, which provide opportunities for community building and spiritual growth.
• Promoting Blessed Karl's Cause: Members are encouraged to promote the life and witness of Blessed Karl through various means, such as distributing prayer cards or supporting charitable initiatives under his patronage.

Organizational Structure

The Emperor Karl Prayer League operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States. It does not charge membership dues, relying instead on voluntary donations to support its activities and events.

International Presence

While based in the U.S., the league is part of a broader international movement. The Emperor Karl League of Prayers has a presence in multiple countries, including Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Germany, Luxembourg, Poland, Italy, France, Belgium, Portugal, Malta, Canada, and the U.S.[1].

Resources

The league offers devotional resources, including a prayer book designed for members and those interested in Blessed Karl. This book contains a history of the league, a novena, and other devotional prayers[4].

[1] https://www.gebetsliga.com/english/emperor-karl/ [2] https://www.emperorcharles.org/enroll-in-league [3] https://www.emperorcharles.org [4] https://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2018/05/a-new-prayerbook-for-emperor-karl.html [5] https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2017/10/14/171014a.html