St. Louis IX

I was also known as Louis Capet. I was born at Poissy in 1214. Son of King Louis VIII and Blanche of Castile. My mother trained me to be a great leader and a good Christian. She used to say:"I love you my dear son, as much as a mother can love her child; but I would rather see you dead at my feet than that you should ever commit a mortal sin." At 19, I married Princess Margareth, who gave me eleven children. I was made King of France when I was only 22 years old, I revealed exceptional human and administrative qualities. Everything I did was for the glory of God and for the good of my people. I protected the poor, forbade usury and was never heard speak ill of anyone. I excelled in penance and had a great love for the Church.I was merciful even to rebels. When I was urged to put to death a prince who had followed his father in rebellion, I refused saying:"A son cannot refuse to obey his father." In 1250, I headed a crusade, but was taken prisoner. During my captivity, I recited the Divine Office everyday. After my release, I visited the Holy Land before returning to France. In 1270, I embarked on another crusade, but got sick and died near Carthage.