King Louis XIV consecrated France to Saint Joseph

Many know about "King Louis XIII’s Vow" to consecrate France to the Blessed Virgin in 1638. That his successor Louis XIV also consecrated the kingdom to Saint Joseph, husband of Mary, on March 19, 1661, is a lesser known fact.

Three days after assuming power, on March 12th, Louis XIV decided to establish a solemn feast of Saint Joseph (in those days no one worked on important feasts) for the whole Kingdom. The few bishops who could be contacted in time gave their support. The next day, March 13th, during the meeting of the High Council, the King prohibited all trade and work every March 19th, effective in 1661. Historians of the Grand Siècle have reported this fact, but do not seem to be surprised by the quickness of this decree.

The consecration of the kingdom of France to St Joseph, read by the king, took place on the morning of Saturday, March 19, 1661, in the Louvre Chapel.

Until the French Revolution, the national consecration of France to Saint Joseph was marked by a special celebration throughout the Kingdom. Sadly, since then it has never been resumed or renewed.

Chrétiens magazine