St. Raymond was born in 1175 in modern-day Spain. A gifted scholar, he studied both secular and Church law in Bologna, Italy, and eventually taught at the university there. In 1222, he joined the Dominican order.
St. Raymond's works include the Summa de casibus poenitentiae, a handbook for confessors. But he is probably best known for bringing together in one volume, for the first time, the various laws and decrees of the Popes and the Church Councils. He compiled the Decretals of Gregory IX, a collection of canon laws. For this work, St. Raymond is known as the Father of Canon Law.
He also promoted the study of Hebrew and Arabic so that the Dominicans of Spain could preach the gospel to Jews and Muslims. He encouraged St. Thomas Aquinas to write an explanation of the faith that would help missionaries in their work. He also, with St. Peter Nolasco and King James of Aragon, established the Order of Our Lady of Mercy, which ransomed captives during the Crusades.
St. Raymond died on Jan. 6, 1275, at about 100 years of age. He was canonized in 1601, and is the patron saint of lawyers, especially canon lawyers.
(Source: Apostleship of Prayer)