May 17 + Saint Paschal Baylon

Paschal was born to poor and pious parents in Spain in 1540. Between the ages of 7 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 sent to counter the arguments of the Calvinists in France but was chased out and was almost killed in a mob who detested him. But he was best known for his strong and deep devotion to the Eucharist which manifested in his childhood.

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. Paschal was canonized in 1690 and was named the Patron Saint of Eucharistic Congresses and Societies.