First Vespers & Benediction

August 25 is the Feast Day of Saint Louis IX, one of the most notable European monarchs of the Middle Ages and long regarded as the ideal Christian ruler.  He was inspired by zeal for Christ and a strong Catholic devotion.  His fellow European rulers esteemed him highly, not only for his pre-eminence in arms or the unmatched wealth of his kingdom, but also for his reputation of fairness and moral integrity.  He is the only canonized king of France, and there are many places named after him.  Our city is one of them.

One of the most important ways in which Holy Mother Church celebrates and remembers her saints is through the celebration of Holy Mass and the Divine Office in their honor.  For this Festival of Saint Louis, patron of the Archdiocese and the City and County, we are singing publicly the hours of First Vespers at the Cathedral Basilica on Tuesday, August 24, at 5:30 p.m. Matins, Lauds, Prime, Terce, and 2nd Vespers are scheduled on the Feast Day, August 25, at St. Luke Catholic Church in Richmond Heights.

The Festival of St. Louis is sponsored by the Oratory of Sts. Gregory and Augustine and The Saint Louis Forever Rosary Coalition. For a full schedule of events or other information about the Festival of St. Louis, please visit festivalofstlouis.org or email [email protected].