In the footsteps of a humble king

Sep 08, 2023

KLUANG: The parish of St Louis celebrated the feast day of St Louis, King of France, for the 95th time on August 26. Over 450 faithful from near and far, participated in a multilingual Eucharistic celebration presided over by parish priest, Msgr Peter Ng.

Prior to the procession, Msgr Peter urged parishioners to march on with the patron saint, and all the saints, while chanting the litany of St Louis and reflecting on the contents of the multi-lingual homilies shared during the Masses over the four days prior.

The concelebrants included Fr Patrick Tyoh, Fr Adrian Francis and Fr Andrew Arokiasamy. Assisting were Deacons Aaron Alammalay, Arama Das P. Sinnathamby, Joseph Arokiam Gratian and Louis Martin.

Speaking on the memorial of the Queenship of Mary, Deacon Aaron said that Mary’s queenship was not merely a title of adornment but a significant mark of her hand in the salvation that the Son of God, Jesus Christ, brought to the world. Mary, our mother, portrays a light of hope to us, just as we are called to share the light in our unique ways.

Fr Patrick highlighted the Seventh Crusade where Louis IX led his regiments in displaying courage and tenacity in liberating the Holy Land upon the siege of Jerusalem in the 13th century.

However, eventually taken in as a prisoner by his opponents, Louis was steadfast in his prayers and prepared to suffer any kind of torment for the love of Jesus Christ rather than committing mortal sin. His dedication to the passion of Christ became poignant when he prayed and fasted before receiving the Crown of Thorns after hefty discussions and negotiations. The Crown of Thorns now remains safe at the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Paris.

Fr Patrick concluded that St Louis, though an earthly king, was faithful and hopeful in God’s plans where humility and sincerity brought the grace and blessings of wisdom bestowed by our Father Almighty.

Fr Andrew shared about the works of mercy by St Louis that we should observe, imitate, and practise. Rooted on the values and teachings imparted by his mother, Blanche of Castile, St Louis lived a life filled with compassion for others. In addition to the drive for justice and striving for integrity, he established schools, hospitals, and reform institutions for the underprivileged, the troubled, the sick and the dying. St Louis always appreciated the greater beauty in creation and the collaborative dynamics of nature where he sought God’s grace of love and wisdom as the ruler of France.

Msgr Peter concluded the feast day Eucharistic celebration on Saturday by saying Jesus Christ is the sceptre and beacon in the storms we experience in life. He urged us to trust Him as our Lord and Shepherd, while encouraging us to partner with each other in our spiritual journey heavenward. Like St Louis, we should strive to overpower the individualism and materialism in the secular world with compassion, empathy, solidarity, and hopefulness — a Light of Hope to our neighbours