Do you find it difficult to deny yourself and make some little sacrifices? All such self-denials if offered to God in reparation for our sins and the sins of the world are very pleasing to Him. Our saint today was someone who lived a mortified life, offering everything to God, which led him to a very holy life. Friends, please welcome St. Paschal (Pascual) Baylon. St. Paschal was born to a poor couple on May 16, 1540 in Torrehermosa, Spain. Being poor, he spent his childhood and adolescence as a shepherd and was not able to go to school. His parents, however, brought him up as a devout Catholic and he learned to appreciate prayer and the devotion to the Holy Eucharist. Though he had to be on the field tending the sheep early every morning, he was attentive to the sound of the church bell which rang at the Consecration during Holy Mass. Not knowing how to read, he carried a book with him into the fields, and asked whomever he met to teach him how to read, and in a short time, he was able to read. As a consequence of his great love for God, he was full of love for others especially the poor and the sick. Every day, he shared to some poor children the meager food that his family sent him into the fields. He was also a model of virtues, particularly honesty. Once, when his animals destroyed a few plants in someone’s farm, he accused himself to the owner and asked to pay for the little damage. But they were so good, not to accept his offer. The other shepherd boys laughed at his honesty, but he kept his calm. They were boys who were inclined to curse, quarrel and fight, but in his presence, they tried to control themselves. When he made known his desire to become a religious, several groups were suggested to him, but he chose the poorest. When he applied, he was at first denied because of his age and he went back to his pasturing the sheep. A little later, perceiving his holiness of life, he was admitted in 1564 as a religious brother. When asked why he still chose the Franciscans, he answered: “I was born poor and am resolved to die in poverty and in doing penance.” On February 2, 1565 he made his profession. His superiors urged him to become a priest, but he felt unworthy of the dignity of priesthood. As a religious, he increased his austere life. He often ate the leftover food in the kitchen. He wore a hairshirt with spikes and his habit were patched all over. He walked without sandals in the snows and in the rough roads. Yet, he was always happy, mild, friendly and respectful to all. He served in the community as cook, porter, gardener and the one who begged from door to door to ask for alms. He lived a life of contemplation even amidst his many work. He would spend the night praying before the Tabernacle. In 1576 his superior sent him to France to defend the Real Presence of Jesus against the Calvinists. He was violently opposed and broke his leg when a mob protesting against his preaching chased him, throwing stones and dirt at him. He returned to his convent and resumed his usual activities. Some years later he got ill and on May 17, 1592, he died. Many miracles were reported after his death. He was beatified on October 1618 and was canonized on October 16, 1690. Because of his devotion to the Eucharist, Pope Leo XIII proclaimed him as the “Seraph of the Eucharist” and patron of Eucharistic congresses. Art often depicts him with the Franciscan habit and carrying a monstrance.“St. Paschal Baylon, pray that people may believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and desire to receive Him as food for eternal life. We also ask you to How often do I receive Jesus in Holy Communion? How do I behave when I am inside the church?
