Double Feast of Saint Pascal Baylon, Confessor and Religious Founder
St. Paschal Baylon was a simple lay brother of the Franciscan Order, and, by preference, occupied himself with the roughest and most servile tasks. He was distinguished by an ardent love and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. He died in the odor of sanctity, May 15, 1592. Even after death his body moved and his eyes opened in an act of adoration when the priest raised up the sacred host at the elevation in the Mass. Pope Leo XIII declared him protector of all Eucharistic Congresses and works.
Collect
Latin:
Deus, qui beátum Paschálem Confessórem tuum mirífica erga córporis et sánguinis tui sacra mystéria dilectióne decorásti: concéde propítius; ut,quam ille ex hoc divino convívio spíritus percépit pinguédinem, eámdem et nos percípere mereámur: Qui vivis et regnas, cum Deo Patre in unitáte Spíritu Sancti, Deus, Per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen.
Translation:
O God, Who didst adorn blessed Paschal, Thy confessor, with a wonderful love for the sacred mysteries of Thy body and blood, mercifully grant that we, too, may be worthy to feel the same unction of the spirit which he received from this divine banquet. Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, Forever and ever. Amen.
