SAINT OF THE DAY -- May 17 - Saint Paschal Baylon
May 17
St. Paschal Baylon(1540-1592)
Patron Saint of Eucharistic Congresses
Franciscan Lay Brother and Mystic
In Paschal’s lifetime the Spanish empire in the New World was at the
height of its power, though France and England were soon to reduce its
influence. The 16th century has been called the Golden Age of the
Church in Spain, for it gave birth to Ignatius of Loyola, Francis
Xavier, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Peter of Alcantara, Francis
Solano and Salvator of Horta.
Paschal’s
Spanish parents were poor and pious. Between the ages of seven and 24
he worked as a shepherd and began a life of mortification. He was able
to pray on the job and was especially attentive to the church bell
which rang at the Elevation during Mass. Paschal had a very honest
streak in him. He once offered to pay owners of crops for any damage
his animals caused!
In
1564 Paschal joined the Friars Minor and gave himself wholeheartedly to
a life of penance. Though he was urged to study for the priesthood, he
chose to be a brother. At various times he served as porter, cook,
gardener and official beggar.
Paschal was careful to observe the
vow of poverty. He would never waste any food or anything given for the
use of the friars. When he was porter and took care of the poor coming
to the door, he developed a reputation for great generosity. The friars
sometimes tried to moderate his liberality!
Paschal spent his spare moments praying before
the Blessed Sacrament. In time many people sought his wise counsel.
People flocked to his tomb immediately after his burial; miracles were
reported promptly. In 1690 Paschal was canonized; in 1897 he was named
patron of eucharistic congresses and societies.
Comment:
Prayer
before the Blessed Sacrament occupied much of St. Francis’ energy. Most
of his letters were to promote devotion to the Eucharist. Paschal
shared that concern.
An hour in prayer before our Lord in the Eucharist could teach all of
us a great deal. Some holy and busy Catholics today find that their
work is enriched by those minutes regularly spent in prayer and
meditation.
Quote:"Meditate
well on this: Seek God above all things. 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" (St. Paschal).
Prayer:
God, You filled St. Paschal with a wondrous love for the sacred
mysteries of Your Body and Blood. May we draw from this Divine Banquet
the same spiritual riches he received. Amen.
O God, who didst adorn the
Blessed Paschal, Thy confessor, with a wonderful love for the mysteries of Thy
Body and Blood, mercifully grant that we may draw from the Divine Banquet the
same fullness of spirit that he did. Who livest and reignest forever and ever.
Amen.
Source: American Catholic Organization
Many great miracles have been associated with
the Rosary throughout history. The tremendous power of the Rosary can
overcome any problem, be it small or large, personal or worldwide.
Miracles continue to the present day.
The Rosary is a powerful prayer!
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If you are a victim of domestic or sexual violence, please know that my husband and I pray for you every single night.
If you need immediate assistance, dial 911.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline:
1-800-799-SAFE OR (1-800-799-7233)
SIGNS OF AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP
Do you:
feel afraid of your partner much of the time?
avoid certain topics fear of angering your partner?
feel that you can’t do anything right for your partner?
believe that you deserve to be hurt or mistreated?
wonder if you’re the one who is crazy?
feel emotionally numb or helpless?
Does your partner:
- humiliate, criticize, or yell at you?
- treat you so badly that you’re embarrassed for your friends or family to see?
- ignore or put down your opinions or accomplishments?
- blame you for his own abusive behavior?
- see you as property or a sex object, rather than as a person?
Does your partner:
have a bad and unpredictable temper?
hurt you, or threaten to hurt or kill you?
threaten to take your children away or harm them?
threaten to commit suicide if you leave?
force you to have sex?
destroy your belongings?
Does your partner:
- act excessively jealous and possessive?
- control where you go or what you do?
- keep you from seeing your friends or family?
- limit your access to money, the phone, or the car?
- constantly check up on you?