Many monarchs in the history of the world were terrible parents, as they essentially let their children be raised by nurses and maids, having nothing to do with them.
St. Louis of France, on the other hand, was much more concerned about the upbringing of his children and desired that they lead a good and holy life.
This can be clearly seen in a spiritual testament St. Louis wrote to his son, which is featured in the Church's Office of Readings.
In it he provides the following five fatherly pieces of wisdom that any father can learn from and can pass on to their children.
1Love God with your entire being
My dearest son, my first instruction is that you should love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your strength. Without this there is no salvation.
2Accept any trial that comes your way
If the Lord has permitted you to have some trial, bear it willingly and with gratitude, considering that it has happened for your good and that perhaps you well deserved it.
3Lead a life of prayer
Listen to the divine office with pleasure and devotion. As long as you are in church, be careful not to let your eyes wander and not to speak empty words, but pray to the Lord devoutly, either aloud or with the interior prayer of the heart.
4Love the poor
Be kindhearted to the poor, the unfortunate and the afflicted. Give them as much help and consolation as you can... Always side with the poor rather that with the rich, until you are certain of the truth.
5Remain faithful to the Church
Be devout and obedient to our mother the Church of Rome and the Supreme Pontiff as your spiritual father.
St. Louis desired above all else to "practice what he preached," and his children could see that he was not simply Catholic in name, but truly believed every part of his Catholic faith.
He is a great intercessor for all fathers who want to provide what is best for their children, especially in the spiritual realm.
