Today's Saint (August 25): Louis, King of France

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Saint Louis was born in 1214 and became a devout Christian and king of France. He attended Mass often, prayed frequently, was given to charity (as evidenced in the building of a hospital for the poor and blind) and was an impartial judge in the affairs of his subjects.

Louis was instrumental in garnering support for the crusades, and he himself helped fight in the battles which responded to the Muslim invasions.

He built the beautiful Saint-Chappelle at Paris, where is housed the purported relic of the Crown of Thorns of Christ, which Louis received as a present on behalf of Baldwin, the Latin emperor at Constantinople. He died in 1270.

Louis is a wonderful example for us as one, who because he had much, was able to give much in the Name of Christ. May we pray God to raise up Christian rulers, dignataries and elected officials who are more willing to serve than to be served.

"We beseech thee also, so to direct and dispose the hearts of all Christian Rulers, that they may truly and impartially administer justice, to the punishment of wickedness and vice, and to the maintenance of thy true religion, and virtue." (From the Prayer for the whole state of Christ's Church, page 74, Book of Common Prayer.)

The accompanying picture is of El Greco's oil on canvas, entitled Saint Louis, King of France, with a Page. It resides in the Musée du Louvre in Paris, France.

The day's propers
Catholic Encyclopedia article

Books Worth Considering
Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church
The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church
The Oxford Dictionary of Saints (Oxford Paperback Reference)
The Penguin Dictionary of Saints: Third Edition (Dictionary, Penguin)

www.episcopalnet.org