St. Raymond of Penyafort

St. Raymond of Peñafort (c. 1175–1275) was a Spanish Dominican friar, canon lawyer, and theologian, known as the "Father of Canon Law" for compiling the Decretals of Gregory IX, a major collection of Church laws. He served as Master General of the Dominican Order, advised Pope Gregory IX, and is the patron saint of lawyers, especially canon lawyers, revered for his intellect, holiness, and missionary zeal in promoting study of Hebrew and Arabic to preach to Jews and Muslims. 

Key Contributions & Life:

• Canon Law: His compilation of canon law was a standard reference for centuries.

• Dominican Order: He was the second Master General after St. Dominic, succeeding him and leading the order with wisdom.

• Intellectual: A renowned scholar, he taught law in Bologna and encouraged St. Thomas Aquinas to write the Summa Contra Gentiles.

• Missionary Zeal: Promoted learning Eastern languages for evangelization.

• Founding Mercedarians: Helped establish the Order of Mercedarians (or Mercedarian Order) to redeem Christian captives.

• Patronage: Patron of canon lawyers, Barcelona, and the Kingdom of Navarre. 

Legacy:

• Known for combining deep piety with rigorous legal and theological work.

• His life exemplified a commitment to faith, law, and service.

• His feast day is January 7th