St. Louis: An Unusual King

Louis IX of France is known as the Saint Louis of Louis the Saint.  He was born on April 25, 2014, in Poissy, France to King Louis VII and Bianche of Castile.  King Louise VII died when Louis IX was 11 and he was King of France from 1226-1270.   HIs mom taught him to please God in every action, and to fear His judgment more than any man's.  She was his trusted advisor until his death.

In 1234, he married Margaret of Providence and they had 11 children.  Louis IX was a devout Catholic.  Louis IX set about restoring justice in France and tried to abolish serfdom. Never was his job as King to interfere with his spiritual life and each day he would walk the streets distributing alms from his purse.  He built the Sainte-Chapelle (Holy Chapel) in his royal palace and founded many hospitals and houses. 

He was canonized on July 11, 1297 by Pope Boniface VIII.  His feast day is on August 25.

LOUIS IX (25 April 2014-25 August 1270)