Saint Raymond of Pennafort
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| Saint Raymond of Pennafort | |
| Feast Day | January 07 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Canon lawyers, attorneys, medical record librarians |
| Birthplace | Villafranca del Penedès, Catalonia, Spain |
| Death Place | Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes |
| Primary Shrine | Cathedral of Barcelona, Spain |
Raymond of Pennafort was born around 1175 in a noble family near Barcelona, Spain. From an early age, he displayed remarkable intellectual gifts, teaching philosophy by the age of twenty. He studied canon and civil law at Bologna, earning a doctorate and becoming a noted teacher. Upon returning to Barcelona, he was ordained and joined the Dominican Order in 1222, where he became known for his profound humility and zeal. He was later called to Rome by Pope Gregory IX, serving as his confessor and contributing significantly to the Church's legal framework.
St. Raymond is most famous for compiling the "Decretals of Gregory IX," which organized canon law into a coherent system that was authoritative for nearly 700 years. He also wrote "Summa de Casibus Poenitentiae," aiding confessors in their duties. Despite his scholarly achievements, he preferred a life of humility and service, notably declining the position of Archbishop of Tarragona. He died in 1275 at the age of 100, leaving a legacy in canon law and pastoral care. His feast day is celebrated on January 7, and he is venerated particularly by those in the legal professions.
Biography
Birth
Born around 1175 in Villafranca del Penedès, Catalonia, Raymond came from a noble family with connections to the House of Aragon.
Early Life
Raymond's early education was in Barcelona, where he showed a keen aptitude for learning, leading to his teaching career in philosophy at a very young age.
Occupation
He became a renowned canon lawyer, teaching at Bologna and later serving in various ecclesiastical roles, including as a confessor to Pope Gregory IX.
Vocation
Raymond joined the Dominicans in 1222, dedicating his life to teaching, preaching, and the codification of Church law.
Death
St. Raymond died peacefully in Barcelona in 1275 at the age of 100, having lived a life of service and scholarship.
Significant events
- Compiled the "Decretals of Gregory IX" in 1234, standardizing canon law.
- Co-founded the Order of Our Lady of Ransom (Mercedarians) with St. Peter Nolasco in 1218 for the redemption of Christian captives.
- Served as the third Master General of the Dominican Order from 1238 to 1240.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Villafranca del Penedès, Catalonia, Spain
Death location: Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Parishes
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Canonization
Servant of God
The process to recognize St. Raymond as a Servant of God likely began soon after his death, but specific details from this period are less documented.
Venerable
Raymond was not formally declared Venerable by the modern process, as his canonization predates the formalization of these stages.
Beatification
No formal beatification process was documented; his path to sainthood was through the pre-congregation canonization practices of the time.
Canonization
Canonized on April 29, 1601, by Pope Clement VIII in Rome, without a recorded need for additional miracles due to the pre-congregation era practices.
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
No specific miracle for beatification is noted, as his sainthood was recognized without the modern process.
Miracle for canonization
Similarly, no specific miracle for canonization is documented, reflecting the historical context of his canonization.
Other notable miracles
- **Miraculous voyage**: According to tradition, St. Raymond sailed from Majorca to Barcelona on his cloak when King James I refused to provide a ship, demonstrating his faith and divine favor. - **Posthumous healings**: Various healings at his tomb were reported, contributing to his reputation for miracles.
Patronage
St. Raymond of Pennafort is the patron saint of canon lawyers, attorneys, and medical record librarians.
Feast day
St. Raymond's feast day is celebrated on January 7.
Veneration
St. Raymond is venerated through prayers and novenas, particularly by those in legal professions. His relics are housed in the Cathedral of Barcelona. He has been depicted in art, often with a book representing his legal work or scenes of his miracles, like the sail with his cloak. His life has inspired various writings, focusing on his contributions to canon law and his life of service.
Books
Written about the saint
- "St. Raymond of Pennafort: Patron Saint of Canon Lawyers" by T. M. Schwertner
Written by the saint
- "Summa de Casibus Poenitentiae" - a guide for confessors
- "Decretals of Gregory IX" - compilation of canon law
External links
References
This page was last edited on 17 February 2025, at 20:45.