11 Facts About Raymond Nonnatus

Raymond Nonnatus, O de M, is a saint from Catalonia in Spain.

Raymond Nonnatus's nickname refers to his birth by Caesarean section, his mother having died while giving birth to him.

Raymond Nonnatus was taken from the womb of his mother after her death, hence his name.

Raymond Nonnatus's well-educated father planned a career for his son at the royal court of the Kingdom of Aragon.

Raymond Nonnatus was trained by the founder of that order himself, St Peter Nolasco.

Raymond Nonnatus was ordained a priest in 1222 and later became Master General of the Order.

Raymond Nonnatus then set out to fulfill the goals of the Order.

Raymond Nonnatus went to Valencia, where he ransomed 140 Christians from slavery.

Raymond Nonnatus then traveled to North Africa, where he was able to ransom another 250 captives in Algiers, and then went to Tunis, where he is said to have surrendered himself as a hostage for 28 captive Christians when his money ran out, in keeping with a special fourth vow taken by the members of the order.

Raymond Nonnatus suffered in captivity as a legend states that the Moors bored a hole through his lips with a hot iron, and padlocked his mouth to prevent him from preaching.

Raymond Nonnatus was ransomed by his order and returned to Spain in 1239.