St. Raymond Nonnatus Born: 1200 or 1204 Died: August 31, 1240
Canonized: 1657, by Pope Alexander VII Feast Day: August 31
Patron Saint of: expectant mothers, falsely accused, midwives
Born 1200 or 1204 at Portello in the Diocese of Urgel in
Catalonia; died at Cardona, 31 August, 1240. His feast is
celebrated on 31 August. He is pictured in the habit of his
order surrounded by ransomed slaves, with a padlock on his lips.
He was taken from the womb of his mother after her death, hence
his name. Of noble but poor family, he showed early traits of
piety and great talent. His father ordered him to tend a farm,
but later gave him permission to take the habit with the
Mercedarians at Barcelona, at the hands of the founder, St.
Peter Nolasco. Raymond made such progress in the religious life
that he was soon considered worthy to succeed his master in the
office of ransomer. He was sent to Algiers and liberated many
captives. When money failed he gave himself as a hostage. He was
zealous in teaching the Christian relig