Ceremonial Unveiling of the First-Class Relic of Blessed Karl of Austria

December 2 • 6:30 pm Mass (Latin) • Reception

Join us for a historic and grace-filled evening as Annunciation unveils the only first-class relic of Blessed Karl of Austria in Houston—a gift formally authorized by the Gebetsliga, the sole institution entrusted with safeguarding and distributing his sacred relics.

First-class relics, taken from the earthly remains of a saint or blessed, are rare; the relics of Blessed Karl come only from his ribs and are given exclusively to churches erecting permanent shrines.

Princess Maria-Anna Galitzine (the granddaughter and direct descendant of Blessed Karl and Empress Zita) and her husband, Prince Piotr, will be present for this extraordinary moment in the life of our parish.

Following the 6:30 pm Latin Mass and ceremonial unveiling, all are invited to a reception in Foley House hosted by the Marian Daughters. Suzanne Pearson, the delegate and leader of the Gebetsliga (Emperor Karl League of Prayer), will be giving a short presentation.

Blessed Karl, a model husband, father, and Catholic emperor, is renowned for his heroic faith and virtue; we gather to honor him, seek his intercession, and pray for his canonization.

This event places Annunciation among a small number of churches in the United States entrusted with a permanent shrine to Blessed Karl—alongside St. John Cantius (Chicago), Mater Dei (Irving), and other parishes. Come and be part of this historic gift of grace for our city and Archdiocese.