Louis IX appeared to be a prince destined to reform Europe, if she could have been reformed, to render France triumphant and civilized, and to be in all things a pattern for men. His piety, which was that of an anchorite, did not deprive him of any kingly virtue. A profound policy was combined with strict justice and he is perhaps the only sovereign who is entitled to this praise; prudent and firm in counsel, intrepid without rashness in his wars, he was as compassionate as if he had always been unhappy. No man could have carried virtue further.
Voltaire
Things are likely to get nasty in the city named for this great Saint today. The wokesters will be seeking violence against faithful Catholics who gather to celebrate his legacy. Please pray for sanity and safety.
St. Louis, pray for us.
“His piety… did not deprive him of any kingly virtue”
Deprive.
Illustrative of how France’s regard for piety had dropped off dangerously by the time of Voltaire.
“ No man could have carried virtue further.”. Dom Prosper Gueranger observes that S. Louis IX felt supreme responsibility as king for his every act, and unlike other monarchs, both before or since, accordingly eschewed irresponsible behavior, as many shamelessly practiced, while expecting complete responsibility and loyalty of his subjects (my paraphrasing).
His rule of life is often reversed today by our leaders.