Saint Raymond Nonnatus

**S. Raymundi Nonnati Confessoris** refers to **Saint Raymond Nonnatus**, who is a confessor. Saint Raymond Nonnatus was born in 1204 in Portell, Catalonia, Spain, and died on August 31, 1240. He is known for his dedication to the Mercedarian Order, which was founded to ransom Christian captives from the Moors.

Saint Raymond Nonnatus is the **patron saint of childbirth, midwives, children, pregnant women, and priests who want to protect the secrecy of confession**.

He is called "Nonnatus" (Latin for "not born") because he was delivered by Caesarean section after his mother died in childbirth. Saint Raymond Nonnatus is remembered for his piety, humility, and dedication to the service of others. He is often depicted with a padlock on his lips, symbolizing his vow of silence to protect the secrecy of confession.

Saint Raymond Nonnatus is a revered figure in the Roman Catholic Church. His name "Nonnatus" means "not born," as he was delivered by Caesarean section after his mother died in childbirth.

**Life and Mission**:

- **Early Life**: Raymond's early life was deeply spiritual, leading him to join the Mercedarians in Barcelona. This religious order, founded by St. Peter Nolasco, was dedicated to ransoming Christians enslaved by the Moors.

- **Ransoming Captives**: Raymond became the primary ransomer, taking dangerous journeys to free captives. He traveled to North Africa, where he ransomed 250 captives in Algiers and surrendered himself as a hostage for 28 captive Christians when his money ran out.

- **Suffering and Courage**: While in captivity, Raymond continued to evangelize, leading to the conversion of several Muslims. This act enraged the local governor, who ordered him to be executed by impalement. However, Raymond's life was spared due to his potential high ransom value, but he was brutally punished.

- **Return and Recognition**: After eight months, Peter Nolasco ransomed him, bringing him back to Barcelona. In 1239, Pope Gregory IX appointed him a Cardinal in recognition of his selfless acts and deep spirituality.

**Legacy and Patronage**:

- **Patron Saint**: Saint Raymond Nonnatus is the patron saint of childbirth, midwives, children, pregnant women, and priests who want to protect the secrecy of confession.

- **Feast Day**: His feast day is celebrated on August 31.

- **Miracles**: Countless miracles have been attributed to Saint Raymond, both during his lifetime and posthumously. In 1657, the Catholic Church officially recognized these miracles and canonized him.

Saint Raymond Nonnatus is remembered for his piety, humility, and dedication to the service of others. He is often depicted with a padlock on his lips, symbolizing his vow of silence to protect the secrecy of confession.

(1) Raymond Nonnatus - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Nonnatus.

(2) Saint Raymond Nonnatus – Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Church. https://stgg.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-raymond-nonnatus/.

(3) St. Raymond Nonnatus - Saint of the Day. https://saintoftheday.com/st-raymond-nonnatus/.

(4) Saint Raymond Nonnatus - Catholic Saint | Saint for a Minute: Saints .... https://www.saintforaminute.com/saints/saint_raymond_nonnatus.