Saint of the Day: St. Louis of France | August 26
By SIDTP SoCom
Published on August 26, 2024
St. Louis of France, also known as King Louis IX, was a remarkable figure in both Church and world history. Born on April 25, 1214, in Poissy, France, he became king at the young age of 12 and is remembered for his deep faith, commitment to justice, and contributions to the Church and society.
Louis IX was the son of King Louis VIII and Blanche of Castile. He ascended to the throne in 1226, following his father’s death, and his mother served as regent until he came of age. His reign is noted for his efforts to strengthen and reform the French monarchy, but it is his devotion to his Christian faith and his role as a model Christian ruler that stand out the most.
King Louis IX is best known for his personal piety and his efforts to live out the teachings of Christ. He was deeply committed to justice and fairness, establishing laws that protected the poor and marginalized. He was also known for his charitable works, including his support for hospitals and the care of the needy.
One of his most significant contributions to the Church was his support for the Crusades. Louis IX led two major Crusades to the Holy Land, although these campaigns were ultimately unsuccessful. Despite this, his commitment to the cause of the Crusades demonstrated his dedication to the Christian faith and his desire to defend and reclaim sacred sites in the Holy Land.
St. Louis is also remembered for his efforts to promote peace and resolve conflicts. He was known for his wisdom in mediating disputes and his efforts to bring about reconciliation among various factions within France and beyond.
Louis IX died on August 25, 1270, during the Eighth Crusade, which was his second attempt to secure Christian control of the Holy Land. He was canonized as a saint by Pope Boniface VIII in 1297, just a few decades after his death. His feast day is celebrated on August 25.
St. Louis of France is remembered as a model Christian ruler who combined his deep faith with a commitment to justice and service. His life serves as an example of how to integrate spiritual devotion with leadership and governance, reflecting his dedication to both God and his people.
Sources:
1. “St. Louis IX” entry from the Catholic Encyclopedia:
– The Catholic Encyclopedia. (n.d.). St. Louis IX. In The Catholic Encyclopedia. Retrieved August 20, 2024, from [https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09433a.htm](https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09433a.htm).
2. “Saint Louis IX: The Crusader King” by William Chester Jordan:
– Jordan, W. C. (2005). Saint Louis IX: The Crusader King. [Publisher information if available].
3. Official Vatican resources:
– Vatican. (n.d.). St. Louis IX. Retrieved from [https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en/saints/saint-louis-ix.html](https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en/saints/saint-louis-ix.html).
