St. Louis IX

Homily for the Feast of St. Louis IX, King of France and Patron of the Secular Franciscan Order

The readings for the Feast of St. Louis IX, King of France, are obviously chosen because they are both concerned with a king or person of noble birth. Though Louis did encounter some resistance during his reign as King of France, he was generally regarded as a model of Christian monarchy, particularly by the other kings and queens of Europe who often called upon him to mediate the various disputes that arose between the Christians nations of Europe.

He lived a moderate lifestyle, practicing penances and having a great regard for all of the citizens of his realm, rich and poor alike. He and his wife had eleven children, many of whom married other members of the European nobility. Thus Louis was able to influence the courts of many countries in Europe. Consequently, his reign is generally regarded as the Golden Era of the Middle Ages.

His mother, Blanche of Castille, was a member of the Third Order of St. Francis. She taught all her children, and in particular Louis, the need to be fair and just to all. He learned his lessons well from her and passed many of them on to his own children.

He eventually died of dysentery on what has been called the Eighth Crusade in an African colony of Francis, now called Tunisia. He was succeeded by his son, Philip III.

The reading from the Book of Wisdom is not directed to a specific person. The sacred writer simply refers to the just man as one who follows the commandments of the Lord. There is a great reliance upon the so-called “theology of reciprocity” in this particular passage. However, Louis realized that even the good could suffer setbacks. In writing to his son, he stated: “If God wills that you endure some trial, accept it lovingly and gratefully. If on the other hand, the Lord bestows good fortune on you, humbly thank him, and take care not to become worse because of it. Avoid vain glory, lest you offend God through the blessings he grants you.”

As we celebrate this noble leader from the Middle Ages, let us pray for the leaders of our church and our country and community.

Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator