Raymond Nonnatus was born to Spanish nobility in 1204. His mother died while in labor, and his father had to open the womb of his mother with a knife to deliver Raymond and save his life. Rather than run one of the family’s several farms, Raymond always felt called to the religious life, and after convincing his father he left to join the Mercedarians. He received the habit from St. Peter Nolasco, the founder of the order, and participated in several missions redeeming a total of over 400 Christians from their Turkish captors, several times with his friend St. Serapion Scott. Upon the return from his last redemption mission, he was named a cardinal, but died shortly later at the age of 36.
CHALLENGE
On his last redemption mission, St. Raymond Nonnatus was in prison awaiting payment of the ransom and spent the time preaching the Gospel. This so enraged his captors that they burned holes in his lips and padlocked his mouth shut. How often are we made to be quiet when the right thing to do is speak out? Today consider an area of life where you’re too quiet, and pray for the Holy Spirit to give you the courage to preach the Gospel.
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Want to learn more about the Order of Mercy, also known as the Mercedarians? Mercy, Ransom, Redemption is a compilation of short stories about Mercedarian saints, blesseds, brothers, priests, and third order members of the Order.
