Saint of the Day: Paschal Baylon, "the Saint of the Holy Eucharist"

Born to a peasant family at Torre Hermosa, Spain, on Pentecost in 1540, he was christened Pascua (meaning "the pasch of the Holy Ghost") in honor of the feast. Paschal's parents were both poor and pious.

Paschal worked as a shepherd for his father from age 7 to 24. During this time, he performed miracles and lived a life of penance. He showed great devotion for the Holy Eucharist.

Receiving a vision which told him to enter a nearby Franciscan community, he became a Franciscan lay brother of the Alcantarine Reform. He spent most of his life as a humble door keeper. His charity to the poor and afflicted, his unfailing courtesy and humility were remarkable even by Franciscan standards. While on a mission to France, he defended the Real Presence against the blasphemies of a Calvinist preacher, and narrowly escaped death at the hands of a Huguenot mob. Poorly educated, he was still a counselor sought by rich and poor alike.

Paschal spent many hours before the Holy Eucharist. During his lifetime he was known by all as "the Saint of the Holy Eucharist". He spent most of the night at the foot of the altar on his knees, or prostrate on the ground. In prayer, he was often favored with ecstasies and raptures. He died at Villa Reale, near Valentia, on May 17, 1592, when at fifty-two years of age. His body was exposed three days, during which time a vast number of people visited the church, witnessing to his many miracles. St. Paschal was beatified by Pope Paul V in 1618, and canonized by Alexander VIII. in 1690. In 1897, he was named patron of eucharistic congresses and societies.

Quotes:

"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."

"God is as really present in the consecrated Host as He is in the glory of Heaven."