January 2, 2026
Author: Dr. Vitéz Nob. Chev. Imre Vejkey de Vejke, Spiritual Staff Captain
Commemorating the anniversary of the coronation of Blessed Charles IV as King of Hungary, Parish Priest Dr. László Süllei, Episcopal Vicar General, celebrated a festive Holy Mass on December 28, on Holy Family Sunday, at the Matthias Church in Buda Castle.
During the liturgy, celebrated in Latin, we remembered the life, charitable acts, and exemplary marriage of Blessed Charles IV.
As in previous years, today’s festive Holy Mass was hosted by Dr. Ádám Berniczei-Roykó and his wife, Ágnes. The coronation memorial Mass was established at their initiative, with the intention of opening a long-standing family tradition to a wider circle.
At last year’s event, the Hungarian royal family was represented by Archduke Georg von Habsburg-Lothringen, Royal Prince of Hungary, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, grandson of King Blessed Charles IV, and his wife, Archduchess Eilika, Royal Princess of Hungary.
This year, in the presence of Archduke Joseph Karl von Habsburg-Lothringen, Royal Prince of Hungary and Captain General of the Order of Vitéz, invitations were extended to representatives of the legitimate Order of Vitéz, recognized orders of knighthood, the Batthyány Foundation, the Andrássy Salon Foundation, the Association of Hungarian Historical Families (MTCSE), as well as several members of the Hungarian Parliamentary Prayer Group.
One hundred years ago, on December 30, 1916, the coronation of Blessed Charles IV, Apostolic King of Hungary, took place here in the Matthias Church. The new king, who was only 29 years old at the time, was already familiar with the horrors of war, having served on the Galician and Transylvanian fronts. He ascended the throne on November 21.
Despite the raging First World War, efforts were made to hold the coronation with the greatest possible pomp: ceremonial robes were made, festive publications were issued, and every detail of the ceremony was defined by complex protocol.
Alongside Charles, his wife, Empress Zita, was also crowned Queen of Hungary—touching the Crown of Saint Stephen to her right shoulder according to ancient custom.
The story of the festive luncheon following the coronation is particularly moving. After the toasts were delivered, the King ended the meal and sent the untouched food to the city’s hospitals for soldiers wounded in the First World War. Compassionate love lived in his heart. Perhaps he saw the essence of things better than anyone else among the celebrants. Behind the competition and the pomp, sadness and tragedy were already lurking. In King Charles’s insight and love, the wisdom of a man of God already shone through.
King Charles inherited a country that was socially, politically, and militarily unstable. Amidst an increasingly hopeless struggle, he sought a separate peace treaty with the Entente as early as the spring of 1917. However, the latter had no interest in the Monarchy withdrawing from the war, as this would have upset the long-established post-war plans—namely, the liquidation of Austria-Hungary and the division of its territories.
He was among the few who strove for peace not out of political calculation or power interests, but out of sincere conscientious conviction. In this, he did not look at outward appearances; instead, he felt the misery of the people and saw in the acceptance of peace the opportunity to save the lives of millions.
The King’s efforts were unsuccessful, and after the Central Powers lost the war, he was forced to abdicate. He attempted to return to the Hungarian throne but was eventually exiled to the island of Madeira. He died there at a very young age, only 34, from the Spanish flu in April 1922.
Pope Saint John Paul II beatified Charles IV on October 3, 2004, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. Unlike other saints, his memorial day was designated not as the date of his death, but as the date of his marriage to Princess Zita, October 21. This directs attention to his exemplary married life, emphasizing that marriage is one path to becoming a saint.
Before the concluding blessing of the Mass, Dr. vitéz Imre Vejkey, Spiritual Staff Captain and founder and leader of the Hungarian Parliamentary Prayer Group, addressed those present:
The example of Blessed King Charles’s life teaches us to trust in God despite all human appearances. We worthily remember the coronation of our last Apostolic King when we renew within ourselves our responsibility for the community and our trust in the providential God, who views our lives through the perspective of eternal happiness.
Blessed King Charles, pray for us!
Photos: Dr. Vitéz Tamás Elter Seat Captain
Video by Vitéz Elemér István Matécsa