Saint Raymond Nonnatus is the patron saint of those who have been falsely accused, pregnant women, children and midwives. His mother died during childbirth and he was delivered by caesarean section.  His last name, Nonnatus, translates from Latin meaning "not born".  

Saint Raymond dedicated himself to the Blessed Virgin and chose her for his mother and patroness.  He prayed the rosary regularly and devoted himself to her service.  

It is said that the Holy Mother visited him and advised him to join the Mercedarian Order - The Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy.  The Mercedarian Order dedicated themselves to those sick in the hospital, and to rescuing Christians who were being held captive by the Moors.  

Saint Raymond was passionate in his faith, he caused many to convert and liberated over 300 Christian captives.  He suffered much for his service having been subjected to numerous tortures.  To prevent him from preaching the gospel, his lips were pierced with an iron through which his tormentors placed a padlock.  

His feast day is August 31. Though he may or may not be commemorated wherever the Roman Rite is celebrated, he does have a strong folk following. Popular rituals are to place a padlock on an altar dedicated to him.  His intercession is sought when one has been falsely accused, to stop gossip, cursing, and lying.  The lock also symbolizes secrets and the ability to keep them.

Are you the target of malicious gossip? Ask for Saint Raymond's intercession and pray Psalm 12 for protection against those who falsely accuse and spread rumors about you.

Help, Lord, for no one is faithful anymore; those who are loyal have vanished from the human race. Everyone lies to their neighbor; they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their hearts.

May the Lord silence all flattering lips and every boastful tongue - those who say, “By our tongues we will prevail; our own lips will defend us—who is lord over us?”

“Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the Lord. “I will protect them from those who malign them.” And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.You, Lord, will keep the needy safe and will protect us forever from the wicked, who freely strut about when what is vile is honored by the human race.

Be blessed!