Today, December 6, is the memorial of Saint Peter Paschal.
Peter Paschal was born in Valencia, Spain in 1227. His parents were devout Iberian Christians. In fact, they would accommodate St. Peter Nolasco, the founder of the Mercedarian Order, at their home whenever he, together with his companions, were on a mission.
The frequent visitors inspired Peter to follow the Mercedarian way of life. He received his doctorate from the University of Paris, France. He went back to Valencia and took St. Peter Nolasco as his spiritual adviser. He became a full-fledged Mercedarian in 1250.
Peter was known for his intelligence that he tutored Don Sancho, son of the King of Aragon. As Peter was such a model priest, Don Sancho was so inspired that he, too, joined the Mercedarians and became a priest.
The future saint became Bishop of Jaen, Spain in 1289 during a period when the diocese was in territory controlled by the Moors.
He worked to ransom Christians held hostage by the Moors. He wrote and preached against Moorish hostage-taking in general. He was ambushed by the Moors, he was imprisoned in Granada from 1297 until his martyrdom at the order of King Moulay Mohammed.
While he was saying his thanksgiving after Mass, a killer came from behind and beheaded Peter in 1300. Pope Clement X canonized Peter Paschal in 1670.