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Saint Pascal Baylon was a Spanish friar and is regarded as one of the most revered saints of the Catholic Church. Born on May 12, 1540, in the Kingdom of Aragon, he is remembered for his devotion to the Eucharist and his deep love for the poor. He is considered the patron saint of Eucharistic congresses, Eucharistic associations and Eucharistic leagues.
Pascal Baylon joined the Franciscan Order at the age of 23 and devoted his life to serving the poor and spreading the word of God. He spent most of his life as a lay brother, working as a shepherd and later as a cook in his monastery.
Despite his humble beginnings, he was known for his deep devotion to the Eucharist and his love for the poor. He would often spend long hours in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament and was known to perform miracles through his prayers. He was so devoted to the Blessed Sacrament that he was said to have had a vision of angels adoring the Eucharist. He is often depicted in art with this same vision.
One of the most notable events in Saint Pascal Baylon's life was his participation in the Eucharistic Congress of 1564. This was a gathering of Catholics from all over Spain who came together to celebrate the Eucharist and share their faith. Saint Pascal Baylon was a keynote speaker at the congress and is said to have performed many miracles during the event.
In addition to his devotion to the Eucharist, Saint Pascal Baylon was known for his deep love for the poor. He would often give away his own food and clothing to those in need and was known for his compassionate and selfless nature. He once said, "The love of God is like a fire that enflames the heart, and the more we feed it, the stronger it grows."
Saint Pascal Baylon was canonized by Pope Clement XI in 1726 and is celebrated on the feast day of May 17th each year. He was also declared a patron saint of Eucharistic congresses by Pope Pius XI in 1935.
Saint Pascal Baylon is remembered as a model of devotion to the Eucharist and love for the poor. He lived a simple and humble life, devoted to serving others and spreading the word of God. His legacy continues to inspire Catholics all over the world to this day.