Saint Paschal Baylón – 17 May – Saint Of The Day
Saint Paschal Baylón. A Spanish shepherd and a lay Franciscan friar devoted to the Eucharist. Patron saint of shepherds and eucharistic societies.
Paschal Baylón (1540–1592), a Spanish Catholic layman of the Franciscan Order, was born into a poor family and had to start working from a very early age, He worked as a shepherd from ages seven to 24. Then he joined the Friars Minor and devoted himself wholeheartedly to a life of penance, asceticism and compassion for the sick.
He was best known for his strong and deep devotion to the Eucharist. Saint Paschal Baylón is a patron saint of eucharistic congresses and societies.
Iconography – Saint Paschal Baylón is usually depicted in the act of adoring the Blessed Sacrament, praying or in ecstasy.
