Paschal was a Spanish shepherd who became a Franciscan lay brother and served as porter. He spent long hours in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament and was named patron of Eucharistic congresses.
Life
Paschal Baylon was born in 1540 to a poor farming family in Aragon, Spain. As a child he tended sheep, and it is said that even in the fields he prayed while looking toward a distant church.
At about twenty-four he entered a strictly reformed branch of the Franciscans as a lay brother, serving as porter, cook and alms-gatherer. He was known especially for his deep love of the Eucharist and prayed before the tabernacle whenever he had time. He died in 1592, was canonized in 1690, and was later named patron of Eucharistic congresses.
Spirituality
Paschal's spirituality is love for Jesus present in the Eucharist. Though not learned, he conversed deeply with God before the tabernacle. Welcoming visitors kindly as porter was his way of sharing the love he received from the Eucharist.
Reflection
Saint Paschal went to the tabernacle whenever he could. Will I stop by church this week, even briefly, to spend time before the Blessed Sacrament?