Feast of St. Louis IX, King of France

St. Louis IX, ora pro nobis

August 25th is the Feast of St. Louis IX, King of France. Reigning from 1226 to 1270, St. Louis valiantly led two crusades to recover the Holy Land from the Mohammedans. A pious and munificent ruler, King Louis built hospitals, orphanages and libraries, as well as schools, churches and cathedrals throughout his kingdom. In addition to being a great patron of the arts, he was renowned for his many charitable works, including the feeding of the poor daily in his palace and washing their feet every Saturday. Sadly, he died of pestilence during the siege of Tunis, precipitately ending the Eighth Crusade. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Louis IX. The Accompanying photo was taken at Our Lady of Peace Church in Brooklyn, New York. Vive le roi!

Prayer to St. Louis IX, King of France

O God, Who didst exalt blessed Louis Thy Confessor from an earthly realm to the glory of Thy Heavenly kingdom: grant, we pray Thee, that by his merits and intercession we may be made heirs of the King of Kings, Thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth for ever and ever. Amen