**BLOIS, CHARLES de, Blessed.** – Duke of Brittany (from 1341), born in Blois in 1320, died on 29 September 1364 in the battle of Auray. Piously educated, he married Jeanne of Penthièvre, daughter and heiress of the Duke of Brittany. The succession was contested by Jean, Count of Montfort, against whom de B. had to defend his rights. From 1347 to 1356 he was imprisoned by the English in London. Upon his return to his homeland, the struggle flared up again. On the morning of the battle of Auray, he attended Mass and fortified himself with the Sacraments. Miracles were worked at his tomb in the Franciscan church of Guingamp. Urban V (1369) and Gregory XI (1371) ordered the canonization process, which was instituted in Angers in 1371. Pius X confirmed his cult in 1904. In the diocese of Blois, his feast is celebrated on 20 June, while in those of Brittany it is observed on 29 September.
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