Louis was born in Poissy (France), the son of King Louis VIII and Blanche of Castille. In 1233 he married Margaret of Provence, by whom he had ten children. As king of France (1226-1270), he is the ideal of a sovereign who lives his faith. Louis promoted justice and peace within his realm and among other nations. His first crusade for the Holy Places (1248-1254) ended in failure. He died of the plague during a second crusade near Tunis on 25th August 1270, and was canonised in 1297 by Boniface VIII. Louis is Patron of the Secular Franciscan Order of which he is said to have been a member.
First Reading: Wis. 10: 10-14; Gospel: Luke 19: 12-19
