April 26

Born: April 9, 1911, Burgos, Spain
Died: April 26, 1938, Duenas, Palencia, Spain
Canonized, October 11, 2009 by Pope Benedict XVI

An artistic young man, he studied architecture in Madrid, Spain. However, he felt a call to the religious life, and on 15 April 1934 Rafael became an oblate friar of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (Trappist). Suffered from acute diabetes, a condition that forced him to leave the monastery three times, but each time, as soon as he was sufficiently healed, he returned to the monastic life.

Prayer:
Omnipotent Lord who glorifies the humble and strikes down the arrogant, we implore you for the glory of your Holy Name that you uplift the memory of Saint Rafael. Granting to us the grace that we ask of you by his intercession, who lived and died to glorify You, Lord; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns forever. Amen.

St. Rafael Arnaiz Baron, pray for us!