St. Raymond of Pennafort
Master of Canon Law and Merciful Penitentiary
"I devote my life to the service of God's truth."
Saint Facts
- Origin:
- Spain
- Gender:
- Male
- Vocation:
- Priest
- Birth:
- 1175
- Feast Day:
- Jan 7
- Death:
- 1275
Saint Details
St. Raymond of Pennafort was born in 1175 in Peñafort, Catalonia, to a noble family. By age 20, he was teaching philosophy in Barcelona. He later studied law at the University of Bologna, earning a doctorate in both canon and civil law. In 1222, Raymond joined the Dominican Order, bringing his legal expertise to the Church's service. He co-founded the Order of Our Lady of Mercy with Peter Nolasco to ransom Christian captives from Muslim territories.
Raymond's most significant contribution was compiling the Decretals of Gregory IX, a systematic collection of canon law that remained a cornerstone of ecclesiastical law for centuries. He also wrote the "Summa de Casibus Poenitentiae," a manual for confessors that revolutionized penance practices. As the third Master General of the Dominican Order, Raymond reorganized its constitutions and established language schools for Arabic and Hebrew to aid in evangelization.
Raymond's life was marked by humility and dedication. Despite being offered the archbishopric of Tarragona, he preferred to remain a simple friar. He lived to be 100 years old, passing away on January 6, 1275. Pope Clement VIII canonized him in 1601. Today, St. Raymond is revered as the patron saint of canon lawyers and legal professionals, celebrated for his integration of law and mercy in Church practice. His legacy continues to influence Church law and pastoral care.
Associated Holy Sites
Parròquia de Sant Ramon de Penyafort
Rambla de Catalunya, 115, Eixample, 08008 Barcelona, Spain
Basilica of Saint Mary of Minerva
Piazza della Minerva, 42, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Cathedral of Barcelona
Pcta. de la Seu, s/n, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
Details for: Parròquia de Sant Ramon de Penyafort
The Parròquia de Sant Ramon de Penyafort, located in Barcelona, Spain, is a Catholic parish church dedicated to Saint Raymond of Penyafort, a prominent 13th-century Dominican friar and canon lawyer. Known for his contributions to the development of canon law and his role in the establishment of the Mercedarian Order, Saint Raymond is venerated for his wisdom, humility, and dedication to the Church. The church serves as a spiritual center for the local community and attracts pilgrims seeking to honor his legacy. Its architecture reflects traditional Catalan styles, and the interior features religious art and symbols that highlight the saint’s life and works. Pilgrims visit to pray, reflect, and draw inspiration from Saint Raymond’s commitment to justice and faith. The parish also hosts liturgical celebrations and community events, fostering a sense of devotion and connection among visitors. Its location in Barcelona makes it accessible to both locals and international pilgrims.
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