St. Louis IX (1214-1270), King of France, was known for his personal piety and being a man of justice. He died from the plague while on a crusade in North Africa. As a sign of penance, he asked to be hospitalized on a bed covered with ashes. He crossed his arms over his chest and prayed, paraphrasing Psalm 5:7: “I will enter your temple. I will adore your holy house. I will confess your name.”
