St. Louis of Toulouse – Aug 19 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Aug 19, 2023, on the life of St Louis of Toulouse, a Franciscan who became a bishop and earned a reputation of sanctity and wisdom before being taken to the Lord at an early age.

St. Louis of Toulouse, born in 1274, was named after his great-grandfather, St. Louis IX of France. His lineage boasted several saints, including St. Elizabeth of Hungary. Louis was known for his piety from a young age, often practicing penance and aiding the needy.

In 1284, his father was captured in battle, leading to Louis becoming a hostage in Barcelona for seven years. During this time, he was educated by Franciscans, deepening his spirituality. He was particularly devoted to the Holy Name of Jesus and the Passion. Despite his royal status, Louis aspired to join the clergy. In 1294, Pope St. Celestine V allowed him to join the minor orders. The following year, after a treaty was signed, Louis was released.

Upon his brother's death, Louis became the heir to the throne. However, his unwavering commitment to his religious vows led him to renounce his claim. He was ordained and lived among the Franciscans, focusing on prayer and study. Pope Boniface VIII, recognizing his virtue, appointed him as the bishop of Toulouse. As the Book of Wisdom says https://bible.usccb.org/bible/wisdom/4, "the age that is honorable comes not with the passing of time, nor can it be measured in terms of years. Rather, understanding passes for gray hair, and an unsullied life is the attainment of old age."

As a bishop, Louis reformed the clergy and generously aided the poor. Despite his position, he felt unworthy and sought the Pope's permission to resign. While traveling to Rome, he fell ill and passed away on August 19th, 1297, in Brignoles. He was canonized in 1317 by John XXII. His relics, initially in Marseille, were later moved to Valencia. In 1772, St. Juniper Serra founded the mission of St. Louis Obispo in his honor, influencing the naming of a city and county in California.

00:00 - Introduction
00:25 - Royal Lineage
01:18 - Early Life & Virtues
02:08 - Time as a Hostage in Barcelona
04:20 - Vows to join Franciscans
05:04 - Rejects becoming King
06:05 - Becomes a Bishop
07:16 - Reforms Diocese of Toulouse
08:50 - Death & Canonization
09:29 - Legacy

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Louis of Toulouse - Opt Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=4313
Readings: Saturday 19th Week of Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/081923.cfm
1st: jos 24:14-29
Resp: psa 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 11
Gsp: mat 19:13-15

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=700&r=1474

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