New Video on St. Raymond Nonnatus: A Life of Danger and Devotion

PHILADELPHIA - Nov. 28, 2014 - PRLog -- A new video that tells the life a saint who rescued Christians from hostile captivity is the first of its kind made in English.

The video, “St. Raymond Nonnatus, Patron of Expectant Mothers and Families,” tells the incredible story of the Mercedarian saint whose improbable birth by cesarean section makes him the patron saint of pregnant women and families. A man for others, St. Raymond rescued hundreds of Christians during the 13^th century in Spain. The video includes clips of video dramatization never seen in the English-speaking world.

Infertility is a problem for many couples today, and it’s helpful to know that they can pray to the patron saint of safe and healthy deliveries for the great gift from God of a child.

St. Raymond Nonnatus came into this world about the year 1200 in Spain. For many years, Raymond’s parents waited for a child to come. His mother became pregnant, but near the end of her pregnancy, she became gravely ill and died. The life of Raymond, still in the womb, was saved by the Viscount of Cardona, who used his dagger to cut open the womb and lift the infant out. This event earned Raymond the name “Nonnatus,” Latin for “not born.”

Chosen for a Sacrificial Role

As a youth, Raymond met the friars of the Mercedarian Order, who inhabited the nearby St. Nicholas Chapel and surrounding buildings. The Order of Mercy, founded by St. Peter Nolasco in 1218, went about collecting alms to be used for the redemption of Christian captives.

Raymond joined the Mercedarians, and the pious Raymond was chosen for the sacrificial role of redeeming Christians who had been captured by the Moors. Imprisoned under terrible conditions, the Christians would often be offered freedom if they denounced Christ and followed the religion of Islam.

The special charism of the Mercedarian Order was to ransom Christians who were in serious danger of losing their faith. Money, or the friars themselves would be offered to redeem the captives. Over the years, Raymond and his companions made three redemptions, rescuing 518 Christians.

A Saint for Today

Why is this 13th century saint relevant today? St. Raymond is not only recognized as the patron saint of pregnant women, but of infertile couples, of families seeking holiness, and of travelers. With today's difficulties and threats against the family, his intercession is particularly powerful – and needed!

Why not get the St. Raymond Nonnatus Kit? It includes blessed St. Raymond water, a blessed candle, a brochure, and other items.

The kit is available from the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy, at http://mercysacramentals.org/st-raymond-nonnatus-kit-2/

Watch the video: http://youtu.be/AgBzOcFePyE?list=UU30QOm8veLxO9wx9IV9R_SQ



Visit the website of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy at www.orderofmercy.org.