7 January – Saint Raymond of Penyafort, Priest

Optional Memorial (Christmas Season)

The Dominican master of canon law who turned the chaos of centuries of Church decrees into order — compiling the *Decretals* for Pope Gregory IX that shaped Catholic law until 1917.

Brilliant lawyer from Catalan nobility, professor at Bologna, joined the Dominicans at 47. Preached to Moors and Jews with such success that 10,000 reportedly converted. Helped found the Mercedarians for ransoming Christian captives. Master General of the Order who resigned to get back to preaching and hearing confessions.

Legend says when King James I of Aragon ignored his warnings about a sinful relationship on Majorca, Raymond spread his cloak on the sea and sailed 160 miles back to Barcelona in six hours — miracle cloak beating any royal ship.

Lived to 100, dying on 6 January 1275. Patron of canon lawyers, medical record librarians, and anyone who needs order in chaos.

White vestments. Christmas light still shines as we remember a man who used intellect and penance to free souls.

In a world drowning in bad laws, give us saints who sail on grace.

St. Raymond of Penyafort, pray for lawyers, confessors, and all who fight for truth with charity.

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