Meet Our Patron, St. Louis, King of France

Do you know who Saint Louis, King of France, is?

Saint Louis IX, King of France, was distinguished by his active faith, his justice in government, his love for the poor, and his patience in adverse situations. He had eleven children in his marriage, whom he raised in an excellent and pious manner. He gave his wealth, strength, and his very life in adoration of the cross, the crown of thorns, and the tomb of the Lord, until, infected with the plague, he died in the camp of Tunis, on the coast of North Africa (1270).

Saint Louis was an exceptional man, endowed by God with great wisdom in governing, enormous goodness that endeared him to the people, and immense generosity in helping the needy. All of this, combined with a profound piety that led him to become a true saint.

Saint Louis was fortunate to have as his mother an admirable woman, Blanche of Castile, who took great care to make him a fervent Christian and an impeccable ruler. This formidable woman would repeat to her son: “I love you, my dear son, as much as a mother can love her child; but I would rather see you dead at my feet than that you should commit a mortal sin.”

He was the son of King Louis VIII of France and was born in 1214. Throughout his life, he felt a great veneration for the little church where he was baptized, and he went there every year to thank God for allowing him to become a Christian.

Once, he asked a servant what he would prefer: to commit a mortal sin or become a leper. The other replied that he would prefer sin. Saint Louis corrected him, saying, “No, there is no greater or more terrible misfortune or illness than committing a grave sin.”

At the age of 12, he was orphaned by his father, and his mother, Blanche, assumed power over the country while her son came of age. When he turned 21, he was crowned King Louis IX. Few rulers in history have been as fond of the Catholic religion as King Saint Louis. He loved going to convents to pray with the religious and attending religious ceremonies with them. Someone told him that there were people who criticized him for being so pious and attending so many meetings where they prayed, and he replied: “I am not ashamed of that, nor will I ever be. And be sure that if instead of going to those meetings to pray, I went to other meetings to drink, dance, and party, then those people would not say anything. I prefer to praise my God even if people criticize me, because I live for Him and work for Him, and I expect everything from Him.”

At 19, he married Margarita, a virtuous woman who remained his most faithful companion and collaborator throughout his life. Their marriage was truly happy. They had five sons and six daughters. He raised his children with the utmost care, ensuring that their most important concern was always trying not to offend God.

He prohibited charging excessive interest, and those caught taking advantage of the poor in this way were made to return everything they had taken from them. He ordered the construction of a hospital for the blind. Every day, he invited 12 beggars or very poor people to his table for lunch. Every day, he had food and clothing distributed to the needy outside the palace. He felt a great desire to convert the Arab countries to Catholicism. That’s why he went with his army to the nation of Tunisia to try to convince them to become Catholic. Those people would become Christians. But there, he was surprised by his final, fatal illness.

He then dictated his will, which reads: “It is necessary to always avoid all grave sin and be willing to suffer any other evil rather than commit a mortal sin. The most important thing in life is to love God with all your heart. When sorrows and suffering come, we must offer everything for the love of God and in payment for our sins. And in times of success and prosperity, we must give thanks to the Lord and not indulge in the vainglory of waste. In the temple, we must behave with supreme respect. With the poor and afflicted, we must be extremely generous. We must thank God for his benefits, and thus, he will grant us many more favors. With the Holy Catholic Church, let us always be faithful and respectful children.”

This advice, spoken by a true king, is worthy of admiration. On August 24, 1270, he felt that he was about to die and asked for the holy sacraments. From time to time he would repeat: “Lord, I am happy, because I will go to your house in heaven to adore and love you forever.” On August 25th at three in the afternoon, he exclaimed: “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit,” and died a holy death. The Pope declared him a saint in 1297.

May the Lord always grant you his peace!

Fr. Lalo Jara, OFM, Pastor
Mission San Luis Rey Parish