A Saint of the Eucharist

St Paschal Baylon spent his youth as a shepherd, using the silence and solitude it afforded him to keep a close watch on his soul. It was during this time he was favoured with the graces of infused knowledge and divine consolation. At the age of twenty he realised his vocation was to "live and die in poverty and penance", so he sought admission with the Franciscans and was received as a lay brother, advancing quickly in austerity and simplicity. On one occasion Paschal was sent on behalf of the province to the general of the order in Paris, which he undertook out of obedience. While on the way he defended the Real Presence against a Calvinist preacher and then escaped death at the hands of a Huguenot mob. When he returned to his convent, he simply resumed his duties without so much as a word about his ordeal. By far the greatest virtue of St Paschal was his devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, spending long vigils kneeling or prostrate in adoration right up to his death on this day in 1592. Even afterwards when his body lay on the bier, his eyes opened and closed twice at the elevation of the host. Pope Leo XIII declared him patron of all Eucharistic congresses and organisations, whether founded at the time or in the future.

Deus, qui beátum Paschalem Confessórem tuum mirífica erga corporis et sánguinis tui sacra mysteria dilectióne decorásti : concéde propítius ; ut, quam ille ex hoc divino convívio spíritus percepit pinguédinem, eamdem et nos percípere mereámur.

PS I think that St Paschal would make an ideal co-patron for Juventutem in light of his faith, fervour and fortitude. Further we can all relate to those late night vigils before the Blessed Sacrament.