BLANCHE OF CASTILE, RELIGIOUS - 2 DECEMBER

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN DECEMBER

Saints celebrated on the 2nd of December

BLANCHE OF CASTILE, RELIGIOUS

Blanche, the mother of St Louis of France, was the daughter of King Alphons IX (some list him as Alphons VIII) of Castile. In 1200, she married Louis VIII of France. 

RATHER TO DIE THAN TO COMMIT A MORTAL SIN

From this marriage emerged St Louis, a brightly shining star in the sky of France. After the death of her husband, with whom she had been happily married for 26 years, Blanche took over the government of the empire and the upbringing of her son, whom she instructed in all virtues. She told him that she would rather that he die than that he should ever commit a mortal sin. 

SHE WORE THE FRANCISCAN HABIT

She wore the habit of the Third Order of St Francis. Her blessed death occurred in 1252. Her body rests in the monastery of the Cistercians at Maubisson, which she had built from her own resources. 

(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, 1858)