January 7

St. Raymond of Pennafort

When they lived:

St. Raymond of Penafort, also known as Sant Ramon de Penyafort in Catalan, lived during the late 12th and early 13th centuries. He was born in 1175 and passed away in 1275.

Where they lived:

St. Raymond of Penafort lived primarily in Spain, with much of his life spent in Catalonia. He was closely associated with the city of Barcelona.

Notable world events during the time of their life:

Third Crusade (1189-1192): This major event in Christian history took place during Raymond’s early years. European monarchs like Richard the Lionheart and Philip II of France led their armies to the Holy Land, aiming to retake Jerusalem from Saladin.
Albigensian Crusade (1209-1229): Raymond witnessed the beginning of this brutal crusade against the Cathars in southern France. It was a significant religious and political conflict during his lifetime.
University of Paris Founded (1150): Although predating his birth, the University of Paris became a renowned center for education and intellectual development during Raymond’s lifetime. It played a pivotal role in the development of medieval scholasticism.
Fourth Lateran Council (1215): This important ecumenical council convened by Pope Innocent III addressed various aspects of church doctrine and organization. It had a profound influence on the Catholic Church’s structure and teachings.
Magna Carta (1215): While not directly related to Raymond’s work, the sealing of the Magna Carta in England marked a significant step towards the limitation of royal power and the establishment of legal rights, influencing the development of constitutional governance.
Invention of the Magnetic Compass (c. 1180s): The magnetic compass, which revolutionized navigation, was developed during Raymond’s lifetime. This innovation had far-reaching consequences for exploration and trade.

Their patronage:

Canon Lawyers: Raymond himself was a prominent canon lawyer, and his expertise in this field led to his canonization. He is often invoked by those studying or practicing canon law.
Mariners: This patronage relates to his association with the magnetic compass and its impact on navigation. Sailors and those involved in maritime activities seek his protection.
Confessors: St. Raymond of Penafort is celebrated for his work as a confessor, guiding individuals in the sacrament of confession. He is seen as a model of pastoral care and reconciliation.
Spanish Lawyers and Catalonia: Given his Spanish heritage and his time in Catalonia, he is revered as a patron of Spanish lawyers and the Catalan people.
Conversion of Jews and Muslims: St. Raymond is sometimes invoked for the conversion of non-Christians due to his historical efforts to engage in theological dialogues and missionary work.

St. Raymond of Penafort’s life spanned a time of great historical significance, marked by religious crusades, intellectual developments, and advancements that would shape the world for centuries to come. His multifaceted patronage continues to resonate with various aspects of modern life, making his legacy enduring and multifaceted.

Early Life

Raymond of Pennafort was born around the mid-1170s in a small town called Vilafranca del Penedes to a noble bloodline of the Aragon royalties. He trained in Canon and Civil Law at the University of Bologna. He went on to become a teacher of canon law at age twenty in 1195 up until 1210, when he moved to Bologna, staying there for twelve years.

In Bologna, he was made head of the department of law at the university, serving the duty for three years. Coming to the knowledge of the Dominican Order here in the later years, Raymond developed so much interest in the course. His interest in the Dominican Order was spurred by listening to the Blessed Reginald’s preaching.

Upon reaching the age of sixty, he was retired and was reassigned the post of Archbishop of Tarragona, which he turned down, preferring to pursue other courses such as ensuring the wellbeing of the poor and needy.

Dedication and Devotion

Saint Raymond of Pennafort, from a very tender age, was in love with and showed great devotion to the Blessed Mother. He was dedicated, among several other things, to helping Christian captives in the Crusade era. He was also instrumental in the organization of the Church’s legal code, and as such, he was frequently met by people to explain some canonical concepts.

At the age of twenty, Raymond was made a teacher of Philosophy in Barcelona, given that he appeared to exercise great intelligence in the gift of philosophy. He showed great compassion to those who were suffering from one problem or another and to the poor, too.

In the year 1222, Raymond became a member of the Dominican Order, spending almost his entire life there. In Barcelona, Raymond had helped form the Order of Our Lady of Mercy with the vision of ransoming people who had been held in Muslim territory.

St. Raymond preaching to raise funds in support of the people kept captive by the Muslims

Legacy

Saint Raymond wrote the Summa de casibus poenitentiae, a book of cases for confessors, and also established the Order of Our Lady of Mercy.

The saint performed really great work in the conversion of some Jews and Muslims to Christianity.

At the University of Santo Tomas, there is a building named in his honor, The St. Raymond Pennafort Building.

Death and Canonization

Saint Raymond died on the 6th day of January 1275 and was canonized in 1601.

Feast Day

January 7th is marked as the feast day of St. Raymond, which took hold in the year 1968. Before now, the date was the 23rd of January, as it was inserted in the General Roman Calendar in the year 1671.

4 Interesting Facts About St. Raymond of Pennafort

Did you know that St. Raymond was called by Pope Gregory IX in the year 1230 to examine conscience cases?
St. Raymond was assigned to be the master general of the Dominican Order in 1238.
Did you know that St. Thomas Aquinas was able to write his Summa contra gentiles because St. Raymond urged him to?
Did you know that St. Raymond is the patron saint of canon lawyers?

The Litany of St. Raymond of Pennafort

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. St. Raymond of Penafort, pray for us. Master of Preachers, Patron of Lawyers, Father of Confessors, Counselor of Penitents, Apostle of Gentiles, Evangelist to Israelites, Ransomer of Captives, Teacher of the Learned and the Ignorant, Friend of Princes and Paupers, Protector of Sailors, Comforter of the Aged, Defender of Marriage, Champion of Religious Rights, Advocate of Reason, Guardian of Justice, Promoter of Freedom, Worker of Miracles,… Son of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Son of St. Dominic, Son of the Church, Holy Priest of Jesus Christ, Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord. Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord. Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us. Let us pray. Glorious Saint Raymond of Penafort, wise and holy patron, come to the aid of those entrusted to your care and all who flee to your protection. Intercede for us in our need and help us, through your prayers, example, and teaching, to proclaim the truth of the Gospel to all we meet. And when we have reached the fullness of our years, we beseech you to guide us home to heaven, to live in peace with you, Our Mother Mary, and Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Source: [https://www.straymonds.org/litany-and-prayer-to-st.-raymond-of-penafort-2/] {.ul}