Saint Raymond of Penyafort was born in Catalonia, Spain, around 1175 and became a Dominican friar renowned for his mastery of Church law. At the request of Pope Gregory IX he compiled the Decretals, a collection of canon law that guided the Church for centuries, and he later served as Master General of the Dominican Order. He lived to about one hundred years old, dying in Barcelona in 1275, and is the patron of canon lawyers.
Raymond shows us that a long life can be spent quietly and faithfully in service, using our particular gifts — even ones as unglamorous as organizing laws — for the good of others. He also had a great heart for reconciliation, helping people return to God through the sacrament of confession, reminding us that mercy is at the center of every rule.
Saint Raymond of Penyafort, who spent a long life bringing order, wisdom, and mercy to God's people, pray for us and for all we love, that we may serve faithfully in the tasks God gives us. Amen.