Of our city’s founder…
One of my favorite stories about King Louis IX of France, was his decision to always invite the poor to any of his ‘state dinners’. (The number varies according to what source you read – but it was more than 1 or 2 per meal.) I suspect that made him the talk of many a queen and monarch, and not necessarily in flattering terms. But I also suspect it was a reminder to him that our dignity and worth come, not from our state in life, the circumstances of our birth and the accidents of genetic inheritance, but rather, from our relationship to our Lord and Savior. Looked at from that perspective, all is gift and all is grace. Those at table with him would be a visible reminder of that truth – that we are all precious in the eyes of the Lord.
The following prayer was a part of the 800th birthday celebration of King Louis IX of France, and the 250 anniversary of the city named in his honor. I thought it a great prayer for anyone, at almost any time…
O Saint Louis, King of France and patron of our city; evangelizer, ruler, builder, husband and father, we beg your protection and prayers for all who live and visit here.
Inspire our bishops, priests and deacons to preach our Faith with courage, constancy and love. Strengthen them to combat every evil.
Pray that God will raise up courageous and honorable civic leaders who will enact laws respecting the dignity of the human person, enforcing them with justice, truth and charity.
Pray for all faithful men and women that they will live virtuous and peaceful lives as they journey toward their final goal of Heaven.
Pray that all children may keep their baptismal innocence and be spared from every evil.
Pray that the sanctity of human life will be forever respected.
Pray for an increase in holy vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
And Saint Louis, our patron, as you have left your earthly throne to assume your heavenly throne, pray that we will one day share with you the eternal crown of salvation after our earthly lives are ended.
Amen.