RAYMOND NONNATUS Meaning and
Definition
-
Raymond Nonnatus, also known as Saint Raymond Nonnatus or San Ramón Nonato in Spanish, is a revered Catholic saint who lived during the 13th century. Born in Portella, Catalonia, in modern-day Spain, he is often venerated as the patron saint of childbirth, midwives, and newborn babies.
Raymond Nonnatus, which means "not born" or "not delivered," received this surname due to the circumstances of his birth. According to hagiographic accounts, his mother died while giving birth to him, and he was posthumously delivered by Caesarean section. Consequently, he is seen as a symbol of miraculous birth and protection during childbirth.
Raised by his deeply religious father, Raymond demonstrated a strong devotion to God from a young age. With a desire for monastic life, he joined the Order of Mercedarians, a religious community dedicated to ransoming Christian captives from Muslim control. Raymond devoted himself entirely to this mission, traveling to North Africa and participating in numerous rescue missions.
His compassionate nature and willingness to comfort and aid those in need established him as a beloved saint in the eyes of the faithful. Tales of his miracles and acts of deliverance during captivity further solidified his reputation and earned him widespread veneration.
Throughout history, Raymond Nonnatus has been invoked by women in labor seeking a safe childbirth and by those beseeching aid for difficulties related to pregnancy, midwifery, and the well-being of infants. Devotees honor his memory through the celebration of his feast day on August 31, which serves as an occasion to seek his intercession and give thanks for his heavenly protection.
Etymology of RAYMOND NONNATUS
The word "Raymond Nonnatus" has its etymology rooted in Latin. "Raymond" is a male given name of Germanic origin, derived from the elements "ragin" meaning "advice" or "decision" and "mund" meaning "protection" or "hand".
"Nonnatus", on the other hand, is a Latin word meaning "not born". It is derived from the prefix "non-" (meaning "not") and the past participle of the verb "nasci" (meaning "to be born").
The name "Raymond Nonnatus" specifically refers to Saint Raymond Nonnatus (or Raymund Nonnatus), a Spanish saint born in 1204.
