This observance appears in the catholic calendar with liturgical color green .
Saint Louis IX, King of France, is revered for his devout piety, commitment to justice, and leadership of two Crusades, embodying the ideal Christian monarch.
Saint Louis IX, also known as Louis the Pious, was the King of France from 1226 until his death in 1270, and is remembered for his deep personal piety, his dedication to justice for all his subjects, and his efforts to promote peace and charity within his kingdom and abroad. He was a prominent figure in the Crusades, leading the Seventh and Eighth Crusades to the Holy Land, and was a fervent patron of the arts and architecture, notably commissioning the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris to house relics of the Passion; his exemplary life of faith and governance, marked by acts of penance and devotion, solidified his reputation as a model Christian ruler and led to his canonization in 1297.
Louis IX, born on April 25, 1214, at Poissy, France, was destined for a life of both royal duty and profound spiritual devotion. The son of King Louis VIII and Blanche of Castile, a woman renowned for her piety and political acumen, Louis was raised in an environment that instilled in him a deep love for God and a strong sense of justice. His father's premature death in 1226, when Louis was only twelve, thrust him onto the throne, with his formidable mother serving as regent. Blanche meticulously guided her young son through the turbulent early years of his reign, quelling baronial revolts and ensuring his education in both statecraft and Christian virtues. It was under her tutelage that Louis developed the unwavering faith and moral compass that would define his kingship and earn him the title of 'Most Christian King.'
Upon assuming full control of his kingdom, Louis IX immediately set about transforming France into a model Christian state. His personal piety was legendary; he attended daily Mass, recited the Divine Office, and practiced severe penances, often wearing a hair shirt and fasting regularly. He viewed his royal authority not as a right to indulgence, but as a sacred trust from God to serve his people and uphold justice. He established a system of royal *enquĂȘteurs*, or inquisitors, who traveled the country to hear grievances and ensure that local officials were not abusing their power. He famously held court under an oak tree at Vincennes, where he would personally hear the petitions of commoners, demonstrating his commitment to accessible and impartial justice for all, regardless of social standing. His dedication to fairness and righteousness earned him immense respect and solidified the moral authority of the French monarchy.
Beyond internal reforms, Louis IX was a significant figure in international relations, always striving for peace rooted in Christian principles. He sought to end the long-standing conflicts between France and England, culminating in the Treaty of Paris in 1259, where he ceded certain territories but secured recognition of English feudal homage for lands in France, aiming to establish lasting peace between the two realms. He also arbitrated disputes between other European rulers, earning a reputation as a wise and impartial arbiter. His efforts extended to supporting monastic orders and educational institutions, fostering an environment where spiritual and intellectual life could flourish. He was a generous benefactor to the poor and sick, personally visiting hospitals and tending to the needs of the less fortunate, embodying the Gospel's call to charity.
Perhaps the most defining aspect of Louis IX's reign, from a Christian perspective, was his unwavering commitment to the Crusades. Deeply affected by the fall of Jerusalem in 1244 and a severe illness in 1244, he took the cross and vowed to lead a crusade to reclaim the Holy Land. This led to the Seventh Crusade, launched in 1248. Despite initial successes in Egypt, the campaign ended tragically with his army decimated by disease and his capture by the Ayyubids in 1250. Even while imprisoned, Louis maintained his composure and spiritual fortitude, eventually securing his release through ransom. He remained in the Holy Land for four more years after his release, working to fortify Crusader strongholds and negotiate for the release of Christian captives, demonstrating his profound dedication to the cause, even in the face of immense personal hardship.
Louis's passion for the Holy Land and sacred relics also manifested in his patronage of art and architecture. He was the driving force behind the construction of the magnificent Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture designed to house his collection of Passion relics, including what he believed to be the Crown of Thorns. This act underscored his profound veneration for Christ's suffering and his desire to make France a spiritual center. The chapel, consecrated in 1248, served not only as a reliquary but also as a powerful symbol of the king's piety and France's role as a protector of Christendom.
Louis IX's death in Tunis on August 25, 1270, during the Eighth Crusade, marked the end of an extraordinary life dedicated to God and his people. He died of dysentery, with his last words reportedly being "Jerusalem." His exemplary life of faith, justice, and charity left an indelible mark on both France and the universal Church. He was canonized as a saint by Pope Boniface VIII in 1297, a remarkably swift process that underscored his widespread reputation for sanctity. Saint Louis IX remains a powerful figure in Christian tradition, remembered as the ideal Christian monarch, a king who governed with integrity, waged war with righteous intent, and lived a life of profound personal holiness, forever embodying the virtues of faith, justice, and service to God and neighbor.
In the vibrant tapestry of medieval France, amidst the grandeur of castles and the solemnity of cathedrals, there existed a king unlike many others. This was Louis IX, a man whose crown rested lightly upon a head bowed often in prayer, and whose scepter was wielded with the hand of justice, not tyranny. One of the most enduring and beloved tales of his reign speaks not of battles or grand treaties, but of a simple oak tree and a king who chose humility over pomp.
It was a common practice for kings to hold court in magnificent halls, surrounded by advisors and guarded by stern knights. But Saint Louis, with his profound love for God and his people, often sought a different setting. He had a particular affection for the royal forest of Vincennes, not far from Paris. There, beneath the wide, sheltering branches of a great oak tree, he would often sit, not on a throne of gold, but on a humble rug or a simple bench.
Word spread quickly throughout the kingdom: the King himself would hear the pleas of his subjects, directly, without intermediaries. And so, from all corners of France, the poor, the rich, the peasant, and the noble would come. They brought their disputes, their grievances, their hopes, and their despair. Before this king, there was no distinction of rank or wealth. Every person was equal in their right to justice. Louis would listen, patiently and intently, to each tale, his face reflecting genuine concern. He would often lean forward, his eyes fixed on the speaker, seeking to understand the heart of the matter. He would ask questions, sometimes gentle, sometimes piercing, always aiming to uncover the truth.
And then, with a wisdom born of both divine grace and keen intellect, he would render his judgment. His decisions were renowned for their fairness, his pronouncements often laced with compassion. He was known to advise, to reconcile, and to admonish, always with the aim of restoring peace and upholding righteousness. Knights and even the Queen Mother, Blanche of Castile, would sometimes observe these impromptu courts, marveling at the king's accessibility and his unwavering commitment to his divine mandate to serve justice.
This image of Saint Louis, seated beneath the oak, dispensing justice to all who sought it, became a powerful symbol of his reign. It revealed a king who understood that true power lay not in dominance, but in humble service; that true majesty was found not in distance, but in approachability; and that his faith called him to be a shepherd to his flock, ensuring that even the humblest lamb received its due. This simple act cemented his legacy as a king who truly lived by the Gospel, placing God's justice and the welfare of his people above all else.
Circa 1267-1270
Dear son, the first thing I admonish you to do is to love God with all your heart and all your strength; for without that, no one can be saved. Guard yourself from doing anything that displeases Him, that is to say, from any mortal sin. You ought rather to suffer all manner of torment than to commit a mortal sin. If God sends you adversity, you should bear it patiently, remembering that He does it for your good, and that you have deserved it. If He sends you prosperity, you should thank Him humbly for it, and take care that you do not become worse through pride or any other sin, for that would displease God, and you would not be worthy of His gifts.
Be devout in hearing the service of Holy Church, and when you are in church, avoid wandering thoughts and vain words, but pray to God with your heart and with your mouth. Be kind and charitable to the poor, the unfortunate, and the afflicted, and comfort them as much as you can. Maintain justice, for justice is the chief virtue of a king. Be so just and straightforward that you never deviate from justice, whatever may happen. If there is a dispute between the rich and the poor, support the poor rather than the rich, until you know the truth, for the rich are more likely to be unjust than the poor.
Take care that your people live in peace and quiet under you. And especially, keep the cities and good towns of your kingdom in good estate and liberty, and see that they are well governed. For if you lose the love of your people, you will not be able to keep your kingdom in peace.
Be careful in choosing your counselors, and choose those who are wise and good, and who fear God. And when you have chosen them, listen to their advice, but do not be so dependent on them that you do not also use your own judgment. If anyone speaks ill of another in your presence, do not believe him easily, but investigate the matter thoroughly before you condemn anyone. And if you find that the accusation is false, punish the accuser severely.
Protect your kingdom from all enemies, and especially from those who would seek to destroy the Christian faith. Be ready to go to war for the defense of the faith, if it should be necessary. But do not go to war without good cause, and always seek peace rather than war.
Be temperate in your eating and drinking, and in your dress. Do not be extravagant in anything, for extravagance leads to debt, and debt leads to oppression of the people. Be humble in your heart, and remember that you are but dust and ashes. Do not be proud of your power or your wealth, for these things are fleeting.
Love all good people, and seek their company. Avoid the company of evil people, for they will corrupt you. Be patient in adversity, and humble in prosperity. And always remember that you are a Christian king, and that you must govern your kingdom according to the laws of God.
I pray to God that He will give you grace to do His will, and to govern your kingdom well. And I pray that He will bring us together in His glory, where we shall see Him face to face, and praise Him forever and ever. Amen.
Late 13th Century
It was the will of God that I should begin to speak of the holy life of our King Saint Louis, and of his good words and good deeds, which I saw and heard for the space of twenty-two years, when I was with him on his pilgrimage overseas. And as it is said that a man loves his own time better than any other, so I, who was with him at his death, and who saw his good deeds, and heard his good words, have determined to write them down, that they may be remembered by those who come after us.
This holy king loved God with all his heart, and he showed it by his works. For he spent all his days in prayer and in good works. He rose early in the morning, and heard Matins and Prime, and then he heard Mass, and after that he said his prayers. And he heard the Hours of the Blessed Virgin, and the Office of the Dead, and the Penitential Psalms. And he fasted often, and wore a hair shirt, and scourged himself. And he was so devout in hearing the service of God, that he would not speak a word, nor look about him, but kept his eyes fixed on the altar, or on his book.
He was so just a king that he never knowingly did wrong to any man. And if any man came to him with a complaint, he would hear him patiently, and do him justice. And he would often sit in the forest of Vincennes, under a great oak tree, and there he would hear the pleas of his subjects, both rich and poor, and he would do them justice, without distinction of persons. And he was so careful to do justice, that he would often say, that he would rather that his own son should be punished for a fault, than that any man should suffer injustice through his fault.
He was very charitable to the poor, and to the sick, and to the unfortunate. He would often visit the hospitals, and he would himself serve the sick, and give them food and drink. And he would often give alms to the poor, and he would say, that he loved the poor more than he loved himself. And he was so humble, that he would often wash the feet of the poor, and he would kiss their hands, and he would say, that he was not worthy to touch them.
He was a man of great courage, and he showed it in the Crusade. For when he was in Egypt, and his army was surrounded by the Saracens, and his men were dying of hunger and disease, he did not despair, but he continued to fight, and to encourage his men. And when he was captured by the Saracens, he bore his captivity patiently, and he never complained. And when he was released, he did not return to France, but he remained in the Holy Land, and he worked to rebuild the cities, and to ransom the prisoners. And he said, that he would rather die in the Holy Land, than return to France without having accomplished his mission.
He was a man of great wisdom, and he showed it in his government. For he made many good laws, and he established good customs. And he was so careful to govern his kingdom well, that he would often say, that he would rather lose his kingdom, than govern it badly. And he was so beloved by his people, that they would often say, that he was the best king that France had ever had.
He was a man of great faith, and he showed it in his devotion to the Church. For he built many churches and monasteries, and he endowed them with lands and revenues. And he was so careful to defend the faith, that he would often say, that he would rather die, than see the faith diminished in his kingdom. And he was so zealous for the glory of God, that he would often say, that he would rather that his kingdom should be destroyed, than that God should be offended.
And so, my dear friends, I have told you something of the holy life of our King Saint Louis. And I pray to God that He will give us grace to follow his example, and to live our lives in such a way, that we may one day be with him in paradise.
Official liturgical celebration of his feast day with special Masses and prayers.
Saint Louis IX is a canonized saint in the Roman Catholic Church, and his feast day is observed annually on August 25th in the universal liturgical calendar.
Civic commemorations, historical events, and local celebrations in the city of St. Louis, Missouri, often highlighting the city's French heritage and namesake.
The city of St. Louis, Missouri, was named in honor of Saint Louis IX by its French founders, leading to civic pride and occasional observances connected to his feast day.
Special visits, commemorations, or occasional religious services at the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, the chapel he commissioned to house sacred relics.
Saint Louis IX built the Sainte-Chapelle as a personal chapel and reliquary, making it a significant site closely associated with his piety and veneration of the Passion.
Prayers for his intercession by individuals and groups who share his various patronages, such as masons, prisoners, and members of the Third Order of St. Francis.
Saint Louis IX is recognized as the patron saint of numerous professions and conditions due to his life of justice, charity, and penance, encouraging devotion and intercessory prayers.
Saint Joseph of Calasanz, Priest, is revered as the founder of the Piarists and a pioneer of universal free education for poor children, dedicating his life to their intellectual and spiritual formation.
Saint Joseph of Calasanz, born in Aragon, Spain, was a priest who, after witnessing the immense need for education among the poor children of Rome, dedicated his life to their schooling. He is renowned for founding the Order of the Pious Schools (Piarists) in 1597, which established the first free public schools in Europe, providing education to all children regardless of their social or economic status. His innovative approach combined piety and learning, ensuring that the most vulnerable in society received not only academic instruction but also moral and religious formation, making him a patron saint of schools and a pivotal figure in the history of education.
Joseph Calasanz was born in Peralta de la Sal, Aragon, Spain, on September 11, 1557, into a noble family. His parents, Don Pedro Calasanz and Doña MarĂa GastĂłn, provided him with a good education and a devout upbringing, instilling in him strong Catholic values. From a young age, Joseph displayed a keen intellect and a deep spiritual inclination, discerning a call to the priesthood. He pursued his studies in philosophy and theology at the Universities of LĂ©rida and Valencia, excelling in his academic pursuits and demonstrating a profound dedication to learning. After completing his theological formation, he was ordained a priest on December 17, 1583. For several years, he served in various capacities in his native diocese, including as a canon and vicar general, gaining valuable pastoral experience and a reputation for piety and administrative competence. However, a deeper calling to serve the poor and neglected began to stir within him, prompting him to seek a more direct path to evangelization and charity beyond the confines of his comfortable position.
In the twilight of his long and arduous life, Saint Joseph Calasanz, the venerable founder of the Pious Schools, faced perhaps his greatest trial. His beloved Order, the very fruit of his lifelong dedication to educating the poor, was under attack. Misunderstandings, jealousies, and even outright calumnies from within the Church hierarchy had led to a decree that threatened to dismantle everything he had built. His schools, which had brought light and learning to countless impoverished children across Europe, were at risk of being closed, and his Piarist brethren dispersed. The weight of these tribulations would have crushed a lesser man. Joseph, by then an octogenarian, frail in body but indomitable in spirit, was stripped of his authority as Superior General and saw his life's work seemingly unraveling before his eyes. He endured humiliations and accusations with profound humility, never once complaining or retaliating. He would often be found in deep prayer, his gaze fixed on a crucifix, trusting that God's will, though inscrutable, was always just. His steadfast faith during this period was a beacon to his disheartened followers. He wrote letters of encouragement, urging his brethren to remain faithful to their vows and to the mission, even if the structure of the Order itself was temporarily dissolved. He reminded them that the spirit of charity and education could not be extinguished by decrees, only by a lack of faith. Despite the immense personal suffering and the apparent defeat, he maintained an inner peace, convinced that if the work was truly God's, it would endure. And indeed, a few years after his death, the Piarist Order was fully restored and flourished, a testament to his prophetic vision and unwavering trust in divine providence. This period of intense suffering, borne with such grace and fortitude, truly revealed the depth of his character, his selfless devotion to God's will, and his enduring love for the children he sought to serve.
1621
The principal end of the Order of the Pious Schools is the instruction and education of children and young people, especially the poor, in piety and letters. This is a work of the greatest charity, for it embraces both the spiritual and temporal welfare of souls, and it is a work of great necessity, for without instruction and education, children are easily lost to God and to society. Therefore, all members of this Congregation shall, with the greatest diligence and fervor, dedicate themselves to this holy ministry. They shall teach the young to read and write, to understand arithmetic, and to acquire other useful knowledge, according to the capacity of their minds and the needs of their state in life. But above all, they shall instruct them in the Christian doctrine, in the fear of God, and in the love of virtue, so that they may grow up to be good Christians and upright citizens. They shall strive to instill in them a profound reverence for the Sacraments, especially the Most Holy Eucharist and Penance, and a filial devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. They shall lead them to a life of prayer and meditation, and encourage them to frequent the Sacraments, which are the fount of grace. The schools shall be open to all, without distinction of person or condition, and no fee or gratuity shall ever be accepted for the teaching given. For it is the will of God that the poor should be evangelized, and that the children of the poor should receive a Christian education, which is their rightful inheritance. The religious shall live in poverty, chastity, and obedience, according to the Rule of Saint Augustine and the Constitutions of this Order, and they shall be zealous in the observance of community life, fraternal charity, and regular discipline. They shall consider themselves as fathers to their students, guiding them with gentleness and firmness, and correcting them with patience and love. They shall be examples of humility, meekness, and purity, and they shall avoid all worldly conversation and distractions that might hinder them from their holy ministry. Their principal study shall be the Holy Scriptures and the teachings of the Church, so that they may be well-prepared to instruct the young in the truths of faith. They shall also apply themselves to the study of pedagogy, so that they may teach effectively and adapt their methods to the different capacities of their students. They shall show special care for the spiritual growth of their students, preparing them for First Communion and Confirmation, and fostering in them vocations to the priesthood and religious life. In all things, they shall seek the greater glory of God and the salvation of souls, remembering that their work is a participation in the mission of Christ, who came to serve and not to be served, and to teach the little ones the way to eternal life. Let them always keep before their eyes the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, who embraced children and blessed them, saying, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'
October 22, 1997
Dear brothers and sisters!
Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Joseph Calasanz, founder of the Pious Schools. He was born in Peralta de la Sal in Aragon, Spain, in 1557, and died in Rome in 1648. He dedicated his entire life to the education of children and young people, especially the poor. He understood that education was not only a means of social advancement but also a path to holiness. For this reason, he founded the Order of the Pious Schools, whose mission was to provide free education to the poor, combining piety with letters, that is, religious instruction with secular learning. This was a truly revolutionary idea for his time, as education was largely reserved for the wealthy or for those preparing for ecclesiastical life. Joseph Calasanz, on the other hand, opened his schools to all, without distinction of social class or economic condition, convinced that every child, regardless of their background, had the right to an integral education that would enable them to develop their talents and live a life worthy of human dignity and Christian vocation.
His educational project was based on profound faith and an ardent charity. He saw in every child the image of Christ, and he believed that by educating them, he was serving the Lord himself. He insisted that the teachers, his Piarist religious, should be true fathers to their students, guiding them with gentleness, patience, and unwavering love. He taught them that the school should be a true family, where children feel loved and respected, and where they can grow in wisdom, grace, and virtue. He also understood that effective education required qualified and dedicated teachers, and so he placed great emphasis on the formation of his religious, ensuring that they were well-prepared both academically and spiritually for their mission. He encouraged them to be examples of humility, purity, and zeal, and to instill in their students a love for prayer, the Sacraments, and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Saint Joseph Calasanz faced numerous difficulties and oppositions throughout his life. His innovative approach to education challenged the established norms of his time, and he encountered resistance from various quarters, including within the Church itself. His Order was even temporarily suppressed, and he endured great personal suffering and humiliation. Yet, he never lost faith in his mission or in God's providence. He persevered with heroic patience and trust, convinced that if the work was truly of God, it would ultimately prevail. And indeed, after his death, the Piarist Order was restored and continued to flourish, spreading its schools throughout Europe and beyond, carrying on his legacy of free, Christian education for the poor.
His life and work offer us an inspiring example of how to combine evangelical charity with concrete action to address the needs of society. He reminds us that true charity is not just about giving alms but about empowering individuals, especially the most vulnerable, through education and spiritual formation. In today's world, where so many children and young people still lack access to quality education, the message of Saint Joseph Calasanz remains profoundly relevant. He calls us to a renewed commitment to educational justice, to ensure that every child has the opportunity to develop their full potential and to encounter the love of Christ. May his intercession inspire us to be zealous in our efforts to educate and evangelize the young, building a more just and humane society, rooted in the values of the Gospel.
The liturgical celebration of the Feast of Saint Joseph of Calasanz is observed annually on August 25th in Catholic churches worldwide, with a particular emphasis in Piarist churches and educational institutions.
This is the official feast day designated by the Roman Catholic Church to commemorate his life and contributions.
Piarist schools and other Catholic educational institutions around the globe often hold special Masses, assemblies, or educational events on or around his feast day to honor their founder and reflect on his legacy of universal free education.
Saint Joseph of Calasanz founded the Order of the Pious Schools (Piarists), dedicated to providing free education to children, making him a patron of schools and students.
Devotional prayers are frequently offered for students, teachers, and all involved in Christian education, seeking Saint Joseph of Calasanz's intercession for wisdom, dedication, and the advancement of learning rooted in faith.
His entire life was dedicated to the intellectual and spiritual formation of youth, especially the poor, making him an exemplary figure for educators and students.
In some communities affiliated with the Piarists or other teaching orders, there may be an emphasis on charitable initiatives related to education, such as collecting school supplies for needy children, as a practical way to honor his commitment to the poor.
Saint Joseph of Calasanz's core mission was to provide free education to the impoverished, reflecting his deep charity and commitment to social justice through learning.