Blois, Charles de, Blessed

BLOIS, CHARLES de, blessed. - Duke of Brittany (from 1341), b. at Blois in 1320, d. on 29 Sept. 1364 in the battle of Auray. Piously educated, he married Giovanna di Penthièvre, daughter and heiress of the duke of Brittany. The succession was contested by Giovanni count of Montfort, against whom de B. had to defend his rights. From 1347 to 1356 he was a prisoner of the English in London. Upon returning to his homeland, the struggle flared up again. On the morning of the battle of Auray he attended Mass and strengthened himself with the Sacraments. Miracles occurred at his tomb in the Franciscan church of Guingamp. Urbano V (1369) and Gregorio XI (1371) ordered the canonization process, instituted at Angers in 1371. Pio X confirmed his cult in 1904. In the diocese of Blois his feast is celebrated on 20 June, and in those of Brittany on 29 Sept.