Paschal Baylon (1540-1592)

The Spanish ST. PASCHAL BAYLON draws his unusual name from the feast of Pentecost . . .

Paschal Baylon

Feast Day: May 17
Canonized: October 16, 1690

Paschal Baylon was born to a poor peasant family on Pentecost, known as “the Pasch of the Holy Ghost” in Spain, which is how he obtained his first name. He spent his early years as a shepherd. As he worked in the fields, he prayed and read religious books.

In 1564, he joined the Reformed Franciscan Order and became a friar. He served as porter, cook, gardener, and official beggar for the order, closely observing the vow of poverty, and spending much time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. A mystic and contemplative, he was often sought for his wise counsel. He developed a reputation for tremendous generosity among the poor.

“Seek God above all things,” Paschal wrote. “It is right for you to seek God before and above everything else, because the majesty of God wishes you to receive what you ask for. This will also make you more ready to serve God and will enable you to love him more perfectly.”

His tomb is in the Royal Chapel in Villareal, now a place of pilgrimage. During the Spanish Civil War (1936- 1939), his grave was desecrated and his relics burned. He is the patron of shepherds and Eucharistic congresses and associations.

TIM DRAKE is Legatus magazine’s editorial assistant.