The Ascension of the Lord

Saint Paschal Baylon was born on May 16, 1540, in Torrehermosa in the Kingdom of Aragon, Spain, to poor but devout parents. From childhood he worked as a shepherd, teaching himself to read and quietly living a life of prayer, honesty, and charity—often giving away part of his own meal to those in need. Though initially refused, he entered the Reformed Franciscans in 1564 as a lay brother, choosing poverty and penance with joy and humility. He served in simple tasks as cook, gardener, porter, and alms-beggar, welcoming the poor with unfailing courtesy while keeping a deep interior life of contemplation. Paschal became especially beloved for his burning devotion to the Holy Eucharist. On a journey through France he defended the Real Presence and narrowly escaped death at the hands of a hostile mob. He died at Villarreal on May 17, 1592, and miracles soon drew pilgrims to his tomb. He is honored as patron of Eucharistic congresses and confraternities, and as patron of several towns and the Diocese of Segorbe-Castellón. His feast day is May 17.

Saint Restituta was born in North Africa, likely at Carthage or at Teniza in present-day Tunisia. A Berber Christian, she lived in an age when fidelity to Christ could demand the ultimate sacrifice. Tradition remembers her as a martyr, probably during the persecution under Emperor Diocletian, though the precise place and date of her death are uncertain; she is sometimes linked with the Martyrs of Abitinae, who suffered for refusing to abandon the Eucharist and the Lord’s Day. A beloved medieval legend tells that after cruel tortures she was set adrift in a burning boat, yet remained unharmed until, commending herself to God, she was guided by an angel across the sea to the island of Ischia. There, her body was discovered and honored by local Christians, and devotion to her spread widely in Italy, especially through Naples. Saint Restituta is venerated as patroness of Lacco Ameno and Oricola. Her feast day is May 17.