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Saint Paschal Baylon
Image: Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Saint Paschal Baylon

An Aragonese shepherd who became a Franciscan lay brother devoted to the Eucharist

Rank
Saint
Kind
Religious, Mystic
Life
1540 – 1592
Era
16th century
Feast
17 May
Countries
Spain
Spain

Life story

Paschal was born on 16 May 1540 at Torrehermosa in the kingdom of Aragon, Spain, into a poor farming family. From childhood he worked as a shepherd and had little chance of schooling. According to the early biography, he taught himself to read so that he could say his prayers and read devotional books.

He asked to join the Franciscans but was at first refused, partly because of his age and circumstances. In 1564 he entered the reformed branch of the Franciscans, made his vows in 1565 and lived as a lay brother. In the order he did humble tasks: porter, cook, beggar for alms and messenger between houses. He became known for his devotion to the Eucharist, often praying for long periods before the tabernacle, and for his care for the poor who came to the friary door.

He died on 17 May 1592 at Villarreal in the kingdom of Valencia. He was beatified on 29 October 1618 under Paul V and canonised in 1690 under Alexander VIII. In 1897 Leo XIII named him patron of Eucharistic congresses and associations. His body was burned during the Spanish Civil War in 1936; the surviving relics were afterwards gathered for veneration. He is often depicted in art holding a monstrance, and he became a popular figure of devotion in Valencia and across Spain. The town of Villarreal still honours him as its patron, and a church there is dedicated to him.

Works and witness

  • Worked as a shepherd from childhood and taught himself to read
  • Joined the reformed Franciscans in 1564, professed in 1565
  • Served as lay brother: porter, cook and alms-collector
  • Known for his devotion to the Eucharist
  • Canonised in 1690

Patron of

Eucharistic congresses and associations, Shepherds, Cooks

Saints from the same country

Saint Dominic, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Saint Teresa of Ávila, Saint Francis Xavier

References

  • Martyrologium Romanum
  • Catholic Encyclopedia (1907–1912), entry on Paschal Baylon
  • Dicastery for the Causes of Saints – biographical profile

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.