- Saint Paschal Baylon (1540 - 1592)
Today is the feast day of Saint Paschal Baylon. Paschal was born in 1540 on Whitsunday (another name for the feast of Pentecost) to poor and pious parents in Torre Hermosa, Spain. His parents named him Paschal in honor of the feast of Pentecost. During his early life, Paschal worked as a shepherd for his father. He listened attentively to the church bell, which rang at the Elevation of the Host during Mass, and prayed while he worked. He also taught himself how to read. In 1564, Paschal joined a nearby Franciscan community due to a vision he had which told him to enter it. He became a Franciscan lay brother of the Alcatrine reform, and spent most of his life as a humble doorkeeper. As a doorkeeper, Paschal was known his great generosity. The other friars often tried to get Paschal to moderate his liberality. He also helped serve as cook, gardener, and official beggar. Paschal practiced a rigorous asceticism and showed a deep love for the Eucharist. While on a mission in France, he passionately defended the doctrine of Real Presence against a Calvinist preacher, and in the face of threats from other Calvinists. Paschal died at the friary in Villareal, Spain, in 1592. After his burial, people flocked to his tomb and many miracles were reported. Paschal was canonized in 1690, and was named patron of all eucharistic confraternities and communities in 1897 by Pope Leo XIII.
Saint Paschal Baylon, pray for us!
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Picture Of And Information About Saint Paschal Taken From:
http://365rosaries.blogspot.com/2010/05/may-17-saint-paschal-baylon.html
http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=5230
http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Saints/saint.aspx?id=1386
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