Saint Paschal Baylon was a Spanish Roman Catholic lay professed religious of the Order of Friars Minor. He was born in Torrehermosa. From his seventh to his twenty-fourth year, he led the life of a shepherd, and during the whole of that period exercised a salutary influence upon his companions.
He was at first denied the chance to join the Franciscans on account of his age, prompting him to return to his duties as a shepherd. In 1564 he joined the Reformed Franciscans as a religious brother. He was urged to become an ordained priest but he felt that was not the path for him.
He lived this life in contemplation and silent meditation, often as he worked. He was a contemplative and had frequent ecstatic visions. He would spend the night before the altar in silence some nights. But he also shrugged off those notions of him gaining a reputation coming from that pious nature.
As porter his duties entailed tending to the poor who came to the friars’ door. Paschal gained a reputation for his remarkable humility, unfailing courtesy, and generosity. He was best known for his strong and deep devotion to the Eucharist.
