St. Raymond of Peñafort

"Look then on Jesus, the author and preserver of faith: in complete sinlessness he suffered, and at the hands of those who were his own, and was numbered among the wicked. As you drink the cup of the Lord Jesus (how glorious it is!), give thanks to the Lord, the giver of all blessings."
- St. Raymond of Peñafort (1175 - 1275)

Today is the feast day of St. Raymond of Peñafort. Raymond was born in Spain in 1175. In his youth, he taught philosophy, and also received his doctorate in canon and civil law. At the age of 41, he entered the Order of Preachers (also known as Dominicans). Pope Gregory IX called Raymond to Rome to work for him and to be his confessor; he also asked him to compile all the decrees of the popes and councils given within the last 80 years. This compilation is called Decretals. Raymond also wrote a book of cases for confessors which was called Summa de Casibus Poenitentiae. When Raymond was 60 he was made the archbishop of Tarragona, but resigned after two years. At the age of 63, he was elected to be the head of the whole Dominican order, but resigned two years later at the age of 65. He also helped St. Peter Nolasco found the Order of Our Lady of Ransom, which ransomed captured Christians from the Moors. He also convinced St. Thomas Aquinas to write Against the Gentiles. Raymond died in 1275 at the age of 100. 

 St. Raymond of Peñafort, pray for us!
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Picture Of And Information About St. Raymond Taken From:
http://www.americancatholic.org/features/saintofday/

http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=315

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