CrucisSt. Raymond Nonnatus
St. Raymond Nonnatus was born about 1204 in Catalonia, Spain. His surname, Nonnatus, meaning "not born," reflects the tradition that he was delivered by an early caesarean section after his mother died in labor, a circumstance that later made him a patron of expectant mothers, midwives, and the unborn. He joined the newly founded Mercedarian order and gave himself wholly to its work of ransoming Christians enslaved in Muslim lands.
Traveling to North Africa, he spent his fortune buying the freedom of captives, and when it was exhausted, he offered himself as a hostage to secure the release of others. During his imprisonment, tradition holds that he continued to encourage the faith of his fellow captives so boldly that his lips were pierced and padlocked to silence him. Ransomed at last, he was made a cardinal but died about 1240 near Barcelona before reaching Rome. He is celebrated on 31 August.
Selected quotes
“Offer yourself as a ransom for the captive, holding nothing back, not even your liberty.”
“Endure suffering for the freedom of others as Christ endured the cross for ours.”
“Charity counts no cost; it gives until there is nothing left to give.”