St. Louis was born in 1214 and became the king of France at age 22. He was Louis IX. His kingship was not without some notable events; putting down internal revolts in southern France, defeating the English in 1242 against their leader, King Henry III and was captured in battle in 1250. He was able to negotiate his freedom and that of his men due to his wealth. Upon being released King Louis IX he remained in the Holy Land until 1254. He returned to France and begin to impose laws and treaties that fostered peace, justice and fairness.
Louis was quite the family man having married Margaret with whom he had 11 children. He was a devoted husband and father and strictly raised his family in the Catholic faith; a faith he defended personally. His letter to his son, which I posted last year, is legendary and a warm testimony to the importance of faith, dependence on God and fidelity to the Catholic Church.
He was noted as a king for his justice, charity and piety. He founded many religious and educational institutions and rebuilt the famous Sainte-Chapelle in Paris where he housed the Crown of Thorns recovered on a pilgrimage. He set out in 1270 on a pilgrimage to recover the tomb of Christ but became ill and died near Carthage.
He was canonized by Pope Boniface VII in 1297 and his feast has been established as August 25th.
Now for New Orleans; St. Louis King of France is the patron of the Archdiocese of New Orleans and our beautiful and historical Cathedral is named in his honor. We have Catholic schools and church parishes named in his honor. The St. Louis Medallion is an archdiocesan recognition given annually to lay faithful who demonstrate unselfish service to the people of God in New Orleans.
Please take the time to read his letter to his son. It is archived on this blog from last August 25th post.
St. Louis King of France, continue to watch over and pray for the Archdiocese of New Orleans and for all of us!
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