January 7
Saints of the Day...and Events

St. Raymond of Penyafort, Ramon de Peñafort, 1175-1275

    Son of the Count of Peñafort in Catalonia, Spain.

    His entry into the Dominicans caused a new tidal wave of vocations to the preaching friars; among the aspirants were two bishops and several noted professors.

    Master General of the Dominicans. The Dominicans at this time were deeply involved in missionary work among the Jews, heretics, and Moors of Spain. Raymond actively participated in this effort. He became famed for his preaching to Moors and Christians throughout Spain... 10,000 Saracens had been converted.

    There is some debate over whether, with Saint Peter Nolasco, he was co-founder of the Order of Our Lady of Ransom (for the redemption of Christian captives).

    Last 30 years of his one hundred years of life he lived in prayerful obscurity, giving to others the fruits of his contemplation and labor. On his deathbed he was visited by Alphonsus, the king of Castile, and James I of Aragon, one of his penitents.

Raymond of Penyafort
http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintOfDay/default.asp?id=1253

Events of January 7 - Saints of January 7:
http://www.saintpatrickdc.org/ss/0107.htm