The saint of the day for August 31 is Saint Raymond Nonnatus. He is the patron saint of: childbirth, expectant mothers, newborn babies, obstetricians, and pregnant women.
Saint Raymond Nonnatus was born at Portella, Catalonia, Spain in 1204, the son of wealthy parents. He was delivered by cesarean section when his mother died in childbirth. Hence, his name non natus (not born).
In his childhood, he seemed to find pleasure only in his devotions and duties. His father, sensing that Raymond was drawn to religious life, ordered him to manage one of the family farms. Raymond readily obeyed but spent his time with the shepherds and workers, studying and praying until his father abandoned the idea of making his son a worldly success.
Raymond later joined the Mercedarians , which was founded by St. Peter Nolasco, who were devoted to ransoming Christians captured by the Moors. He succeeded Peter as chief ransomer and went to Algeria to ransom slaves. He remained as hostage for several slaves when his money ran out and was sentenced to be impaled when the governor learned that he had converted several Mohammedans. He escaped the death sentence because of the ransom he would bring, but was forced to run the gauntlet. He was then tortured for continuing his evangelizing activities but was ransomed eight months later by Peter Nolasco.
On his return to Barcelona, he was appointed Cardinal by Pope Gregory IX. He died the following year in 1240 and was canonized in 1657.
Prayer to Saint Raymond Nonnatus
Glorious Saint Raymond, filled with compassion for those who invoke thee and with love for those who suffer heavily leaden with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at thy feet and humbly beg of thee to take the present affair which I recommend to thee under thy special protection. Vouchsafe to recommend it to the Blessed Virgin Mary and lay it before the Throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue. Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted. Above all obtain for me the grace of one day beholding my God face to Face, and with thee and Mary and the saints praising and blessing to all eternity. Amen.
Good Saint Raymond, pray for us and obtain our request.
Good Saint Raymond, pray for us and obtain our request.
Good Saint Raymond, pray for us and obtain our request.
Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be to the Father.
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