Born in 1214, Louis IX became King of France at the age of 12. His mother acted as regent until his majority, overcoming all opposition to her son's rightful claims. Louis married Marguerite, the daughter of a count, and they had a happy marriage and 11 children.

Louis proved to be a man of justice and mercy, of peace and great piety. He negotiated several treaties with his European neighbours, made the French nobility live up to its obligations, encouraged the use of Roman law, and established the first French navy. His reputation for fairness and integrity of character made him a sought-after arbitrator of international disputes.

Thomas Aquinas and Robert de Sorbon were among his friends; the king supported Robert's foundation of a theological institute which became the famous Sorbonne University. Gothic architecture flourished during his reign, particularly in the building of chapels and great cathedrals, such as Sainte-Chapelle in Paris.

Louis organized a crusade in 1270 and left for Tunisia where he contracted typhoid fever and died on this day. During his 44-year reign, Louis exemplified the highest medieval ideals of kingship, gaining for his people an era of unprecedented peace and prosperity. The memoirs of his close friend and biographer, Sire de Joinville, tell the story of the life of this saintly king who was canonized in 1297. Louis is patron of masons and sculptors.

Saint Joseph Calasanz

Joseph Calasanz was born in a castle in Aragon, Spain, in 1556 and is often referred to by his Latin name, Calasanctius. His family was wealthy and he was well-educated, becoming a lawyer. At age 28 he was ordained and so concerned himself with religious reform that he was appointed vicar-general at 34. In 1592, in response to an inner call, he gave up his position and left for Rome where he lived for five years as a pilgrim. He was a friend of Camillus of Lellis and together they served the sick and the dying during the plague of 1595.

Joseph became aware of the plight of poor children and their need for religious and secular education. When he could not get permission for them to attend regular schools, he saw God calling him to do something himself. Using his large inheritance, he set up free schools for the poor, to which students flocked in great numbers. From the community of teachers, Joseph founded the Order of Clerks Regular of Religious Schools, which spread throughout Italy and beyond. Unfortunately, there was dissension in the order, both public and private; some were afraid of an educated lower class, and there was a power struggle for leadership which seriously harmed the order's reputation. A papal commission eventually dissolved the order in 1646.

Joseph died in 1648, but his hopes were fulfilled in 1669 when the order was re-formed; it continues today, known as the Piarists or Scolopi. Joseph was canonized in 1767 and is the patron of schools which serve the needs of poor children.

©2011 Living with Christ, Novalis - Bayard Press Canada Inc., http://www.livingwithchrist.ca/. Reprinted with permission.