(1175-1275) Raymond was born at Peñafort, Catalonia, Spain, to Aragonian nobility and educated in Barcelona and Bologna, receiving doctorates in civil and canon law. He joined the Dominicans at 47, wrote Church law, served as master general of the Dominicans, encouraged Saint Peter Nolasco to found the Mercedarians, and encouraged Saint Thomas Aquinas to write his famous work, Against the Gentiles, to convert non-Catholics.
Raymond served as confessor to King James I of Aragon. One famous story tells of Raymond rebuking the king for having a concubine while on the island of Majorca. He quit his role, but the king forbade him from leaving the island. Raymond miraculously made a raft and mast of his cloak and sailed 160 miles to Barcelona, an event that was witnessed by many sailors. In recovery, we go to extremes to avoid past offenses. “One is too many and a thousand is never enough.” What do you do to avoid past errors? Is the Sacrament of Reconciliation a part of your recovery?
“May the God of love and peace set your hearts at rest and speed you on your journey; may He meanwhile shelter you from disturbance by others in the hidden recesses of His love” (Saint Raymond of Penyafort).
Reflection by Brad Farmer