Archduke Otto of Austria was laid to rest on Saturday, July 16, 2011. It was amazing to be there for the funeral, and in the procession – to see a whole empire passing by. Read Wikipedia for his history and a great description of the funeral ceremony. Fr. Edmund also has a great description of the meaning of his life and events. The entombment ceremony is amazing. What are these titles? Nothing before God.
Hearing Otto von Habsburg speak, I realized, here was a man born and raised to rule. He spoke clearly, with a great vision, and with concern and care for his people. Sent into exile, he did not just hang his head, but worked from there for his people – always for the good of his people. The funeral and memorial ceremonies were a wonderful indication of the far-reaching effect that his works had. But amazingly too…it was not a political display. It was faith-filled. Requiescat in pace.