Saint Raymond Nonnatus is the patron saint of childbirth, midwives, children, pregnant women, priests defending the confidentiality of confession. He is also known for request related to stopping gossip, rumors, false testimonies and other sins of the tongue. Locks are often placed at his altar to represent the pray request. He is also invoked for protection.
Saint Raymond was delivered in 1204 in the city of Portell in the Diocese of Urgell. Mercedarian Order traditions state that he was taken from the womb of his mother after her death. His name Nonnatus means “not born” or birth by Caesarean section. His mother died in child birth. His father wanted him to be part of the royal court of the Kingdom of Aragon. When he felt his calling his father ordered him to manage one of the family farms. During his childhood he tended sheep and often prayed at a chapel dedicated to St. Nicholas. His father finally gave permission for him to take the habit and he entered the Mercedarian order in Barcelona. He was trained by the founder of the order St. Peter Nolasco. He was ordained a priest in 1222 and eventually became the Master General of the order. He spent many years ransoming Christian from slavery. He ransomed 140 Christians from slavery in Valencia. He ransomed 250 captives in Algier. In Tunis it is said that he surrendered himself as a hostage to free 28 captive Christian because his money had run out. The Moors are said to have bored a hole in his lips with a hot iron and padlocked his mouth to keep him from preaching. He was ransomed and returned to his order in 1239. He died on August 23th or 31st in 1240. Many miracles before and after his death are attributed to him. He was canonized by Pope Alexander VII in 1657. His feast day is August 31.
