Saint Louis IX was born into a royal family in France. At the young age of 12 he became King of France shortly after his father died. Luckily, he had his mother as a regent and a spiritual guide.
Louis reformed the French legal system by promoting presumption of innocence and abolishing trial by ordeal. He created royal courts and appointed people to enforce laws fairly. Louis had become a wise man and issued the “Great Ordinance,” which demanded integrity from officials and outlawed blasphemy, prostitution, gambling, and usury.
King Louis was a member of the Third Order of Saint Francis and was a man of prayer, personal penance, and charity. He fed the poor himself and built hospitals. He was also a strong man and led the Seventh Crusade to Egypt and the Eighth to Tunisia. He was captured in the crusade to Egypt and died of illness in the crusade to Tunisia.
Today we pray for those called to the vocation of the religious life. We ask the Holy Spirit to guide them in answering God’s call. We also pray for Kings, builders, and those in public service, that they might through the intersession of Saint Louis glorify God by their work.
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Saint Louis, servant king,
teach us to lead with mercy,
to govern our hearts with justice,
and to seek Christ above all crowns.
May your courage in trial and tenderness toward the poor
guide us in every decision.
Help us build a kingdom not of power,
but of love.
Amen.
Saint Louis IX, pray for us.
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Tomorrow’s saint of the day is Saint Elizabeth Bichier.
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