Raymond of Peñafort

Saint Raymond of Peñafort was a Spanish Dominican friar and priest, renowned as a leading canon lawyer of his time. Born in 1175 near Barcelona, he played a key role in compiling the Decretals of Gregory IX, an important collection of Church laws. He also worked for the conversion of Muslims and Jews in Spain and promoted the sacrament of confession. Saint Raymond is the patron saint of canon lawyers and confessors.