Saint Pascal Baylon

Biography

Saint Pascal Baylon, also known as Paschal, was born on 24 May 1540 in Torre Hermosa, Aragon, in modern-day Spain. He was the son of Martin Baylon and Elizabeth Jubera, both pious peasants deeply devoted to their faith. From a young age, Pascal displayed an exceptional devotion to the Eucharist, which would become a defining characteristic of his life. As a child, Pascal worked as a shepherd from the ages of seven to twenty-four. Despite being surrounded by a sometimes rowdy group of shepherd friends, he consistently served as a good influence on them, and his devoutness served as an example to the others. Pascal's love for God and the Eucharist permeated his daily life, guiding his actions and interactions with others. Following his years as a shepherd, Pascal joined the Franciscan Order as a lay brother. He became a member of the Alcantarine Reform, a branch of the Franciscan Order known for its strict adherence to poverty and austerity. Within the order, Pascal often served as a cook or doorkeeper, humbly attending to the needs of his fellow friars. Pascal's charity towards the poor and afflicted, his unwavering courtesy, and exceptional humility were notable even among the Franciscans, known for their commitment to these virtues. Despite his limited education, Pascal became a trusted counselor sought after by both the rich and the poor, who recognized his deep wisdom and holiness. During his travels through France, Pascal found himself in a confrontation with a Calvinist preacher who rejected the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Fierce in defending the truth, Pascal fearlessly stood up against the blasphemies, risking his life to protect the Catholic faith. Narrowly escaping death at the hands of a Huguenot mob as a result, Pascal's courageous stand and unwavering faith made a profound impact on those who witnessed the encounter. Saint Pascal Baylon died on 15 May 1592 at Villa Reale, Spain, at the age of fifty-one. He passed away due to natural causes, but his legacy of devotion to the Eucharist and compassion for the poor lived on. Recognizing his exceptional virtues, Pope Paul V beatified Pascal on 29 October 1618, and he was later canonized by Pope Alexander VIII on 16 October 1690. Saint Pascal Baylon's cultus, or veneration, remains strong especially in Spain, southern Italy, and Central and South America. He is represented in art as a man in adoration before a vision of the Host, symbolizing his profound devotion to the Eucharist. Additionally, Saint Pascal Baylon is the patron saint of cooks, Eucharistic congresses and organizations (proclaimed by Pope Leo XIII on 28 November 1897), shepherds, and several locations such as Bisenti, Italy; Castelnuovo, Assisi, Italy; Montebello, Orciano di Pesaro, Italy; Obando, Bulacan, Philippines; and the diocese of Segorbe-Castellón de la Plana, Spain. Saint Pascal Baylon continues to inspire and intercede for those who seek his guidance, providing an enduring example of a life devoted to Christ, especially through his profound love for the Eucharist.