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" (...) Paschal was now eighteen years old. No ties bound him to the world, so he set out at once for a monastery. Think of the poor, footsore youth's disappointment, when after the long journey he was told he could not be admitted. Paschal found work near by, and after a little while applied again for admission to the monastery. Again he was told to wait longer. So two years passed away, and Paschal was still waiting.

It was a sore trial, and Our Blessed Lord consoled Him for it in wonderful ways; the following is an example: "One day when the ringing of the bell announced the approaching Elevation, Paschal, unable any longer to bear his privation, fell into a sort of agony, and in his distraction gave vent to one of those cries of desire and love that pierce the very Heart of God. "My Master, my adorable Master, oh, that I might see Thee!" he exclaimed. Scarcely had this loving plaint escaped his lips than, raising his eyes, he perceived high up in the firmament a luminous point, which riveted his gaze. It seemed like that brilliant star which led the Magi to the Crib at Bethlehem. Anon it blazed with wondrous splendor, and then as it faded away the sky seemed to part asunder, and Paschal, gazing through this lattice in the Heavens, saw the forms of Angels prostrated before the Sacred Host, surmounting a chalice. In presence of the Divine Majesty, Paschal fell flat on his face. Then regaining courage, he lifted up his head and gazed upon the heavenly vision. Turning to the other shepherds, he said: '"Kneel down! Do you not see on high yon golden chalice, and the bright rays darting from the Host?" And he pointed to the spot. It is the most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. The Angels are adoring it. Come let us join our adorations to theirs."

"All fell on their knees and adored, though the vision was not seen by any of them. Yet they believed it most firmly on Paschal's word; for they knew he was incapable of an untruth, and too sturdy and practical to be deceived by his imagination." This was but one of the many wondrous miracles that are connected with him.

As a Franciscan Friar, his reputation for sanctity daily increased. The convent felt honored to have him, and well they might; for his whole life was a series of wonderful proofs of Our Divine Savior's predilection. The dominant note of his life was said to be adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. He was also most devout to Our Blessed Lady. On her feasts he was all but beside himself with joy. It is said he never pronounced the name of Mary without inclining his head; and when he came across an image of the Blessed Virgin he kissed it reverently, especially if it represented her as the Immaculate. Franciscans are pledged to defend the glorious title of the Immaculate Conception. Paschal Baylon was exceedingly chivalrous to Heaven's Queen. She nowhere found a more valiant champion. (...)

 As soon as his duty was finished, he hastened back to the House of God. chapel, they said, might be called his headquarters. Every spare moment he had he would surely spend it there.Through reverence for the August Presence, in prayer he always joined his hands and knelt immovable as a statue. One Holy Thursday, absorbed in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, he knelt thus motionless as a statue five consecutive hours.

Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament cannot be separated from the Sufferings of Our Blessed Lord. Paschal's devotion to the Sacred Passion was most ardent. Moving around at his work, he would be heard whispering," My Love is crucified! Oh, my Love is crucified." Pondering the sufferings of Christ Our Saviour he wished to suffer, too; hence his great penances, which were rather outbursts of love than reparation for his sins, although he always thought of himself as a great sinner. (...)

When upon a time the late Sovereign Pontiff, Leo XIII, was selecting a patron for Eucharistic Works, a long list of illustrious names was handed to him, Saints like St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Bonaventure, St. Clare, and others well known for special devotion to the Most Blessed Sacrament. Paschal Baylon's name was last. The Pope, not knowing of this hidden Lay Brother, asked for the records of his life. They were brought and read to the Holy Father, who was amazed and charmed. To make amends, as it were, for so great a Saint being left in obscurity during the past centuries, he issued the Apostolic Letter Providentissimus Deus, constituting St. Paschal Baylon “ the special heavenly Protector of Eucharistic Congresses and of all Societies, both present and future, taking their name from the most Holy Eucharist."

Source: Eucharistic Lilies: Youthful Lovers of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament By sister Mary Theodosia Mug, 1912