St. Louis Patron Saint

St. Louis was canonized a saint in 1297 by Pope Boniface VIII. He is the only King of France to ever become a saint. St. Louis was named the patron saint of:

* Third Order of St. Francis
* France
* French monarchy
* Hairdressers
* Lace makers

Prayer to St. Louis

St. Louis Prayer:
O God, who didst call thy servant Louis of France to an earthly throne that he might advance thy heavenly kingdom, and didst give him zeal for thy Church and love for thy people: Mercifully grant that we who commemorate him this day may be fruitful in good works, and attain to the glorious crown of thy saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

St. Louis Today

Many Catholics today pray for the intercession of St. Louis, the King of France who reigned from 1226 to 1270. They pray to live as he did, protecting the Church, defending the faith, and living as pious and just Christians.

St. Louis wrote to his own son, Philip the heir to the throne, saying: "I recommend to you before all else to apply yourself with all your heart to love God."

They wear a St. Louis medal or a St. Louis medallion in honor of St. Louis. Many Catholic schools have taken the name of St. Louis and the school children pray for his strength and wear a St. Louis necklace proudly to venerate the namesake of their school.

It is also traditional to give a St. Louis charm or a St. Louis medal as a Baptism gift to a baby being named Louis or a young person taking Louis as a Confirmation name.

Also, Catholics who live in St. Louis, Missouri or in France often wear medals of St. Louis, honoring their patron saint.