Born in 1214, Louis IX became King of France at age 22. A Franciscan Tertiary, he was a model of prayer, kindness, Christian courtesy. He married Margaret of Provence and had eleven children. He showed great integrity in his rule, always promoting peace and justice and showing great piety and love for the poor. He undertook two crusades to free the Holy Places. He died of dysentery near Tunis in 1270 during his second crusade. He was canonised in 1297. – CTS New Daily Roman Missal 2012, p 2943; Vatican II Weekday Missal 1975, p 1746
Joseph Calasanz was born near Peralta de la Sal in Aragon Spain in 1557. He led a life of a rich young man for 36 years. Converted to Christ, he gave up all possessions to become a priest in 1583. He went to Rome where he joined St Camillus de Lellis in caring for the victims of the 1595 plague. He founded the first free school in the city and his community of teachers developed into the Piarist Order. In his old age he was the victim of false accusations but patiently endured this humiliation. He died in 1648, over 90 years of age. He was canonised in 1767. – CTS New Daily Roman Missal 2012, p 2945; Vatican II Weekday Missal 1975, p 1747