When we think of saints, we often picture quiet monks in the desert, holy nuns in convents, or courageous martyrs in the Colosseum.
But what about those saints who had thrones, courts, and crowns?
Yes—some saints ruled from thrones, not hermitages.
Let’s rediscover a few of these holy monarchs:
St. Clotilde: The Queen Who Converted a Kingdom
Clotilde was a Burgundian princess who married the pagan Frankish king, Clovis I. Though she initially was the queen of a hostile pagan nation, her commitment to prayer and her faithful example led to her husband’s baptism—and with him, the conversion of an entire nation.
France, the “Eldest Daughter of the Church,” traces its Christian roots to this queen’s persistent prayers and steadfast witness.
She could have chosen comfort. Instead, she chose the Cross—and brought a kingdom with her.
St. Wenceslaus: A Young King and Martyr
You may know his name from a Christmas carol. Which makes sense, this holy monarch deserves a historic tune in his honor! This Bohemian duke ruled with charity and piety in the 10th century, caring for the poor and defending the Church.
His own brother, resentful of his holiness, murdered him. But Wenceslaus’s martyrdom only strengthened his legacy. He became a symbol of righteous leadership—and remains the patron saint of the Czech Republic.
St. Margaret of Scotland: A Royal Reformer
Born into exile and married into the Scottish court, Margaret found herself queen of a rugged land. Rather than feel timid and afraid in her new role, Margaret ruled with holy boldness.
She reformed court customs, promoted Sunday rest, founded churches, and helped the poor with her own hands. Behind the scenes, she quietly helped shape a Christian Scotland.
Her children were also known for their holiness, and one son—David I—became a saint too.
Portrait of King Louis IX by Auguste de Creuse
St. Louis IX of France: The King Who Carried the Crown of Thorns
A king who dined with beggars and walked barefoot through the Holy Land? That’s St. Louis IX.
He ruled 13th-century France with justice, led two crusades, and even acquired the Crown of Thorns—one of Christ’s Passion relics—for his kingdom. But more than his political achievements, Louis is remembered for his integrity, humility, and love for the poor.
He told his son: “Prefer death to the commission of a mortal sin.”
At our baptisms, we are marked as sons and daughters of God the Father—which means we become part of His royal family. So in a very real spiritual sense, we can say that we are princes and princesses of Heaven! Teach your children about these royal saints and inspire them to earn their own crown of sainthood one day!
Teach them about the Holy Mass, their royal inheritance on earth, and instill in them a lifelong love of the sacraments with this Children’s Wooden Mass Playset! Ideal for imaginative play and religious education, it’s a perfect gift for young Catholic children.
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