SAINT LOUIS IX (1214-1270) crowned king of France; Louis took on the task before God and men; to spread the Gospel. In 1244; recovered from a strong fever; wanted to personally lead a crusade for the liberation of the Holy Land. Landed in Egypt; after a terrible plague that decimated the crusader army; was attacked by the Turks; was defeated and taken prisoner. When he was released; he went as a pilgrim to the Holy Land; where he performed many good works. Back in France; he ruled with justice and Christian charity; founded the Sorbonne and preparing a new crusade; but in Tunis army was hit by a new outbreak; which was lethal. Patron of the Kings and the Secular Franciscan Order; August 25 commemoration. Colored engraving; 1886