Raymond was a lawyer, a canonist. Legalism can suck the life out of genuine religion if it becomes too great a preoccupation with the letter of the law to the neglect of the spirit and purpose of the law. The law can become an end in itself, so that the value the law was intended to promote is overlooked. But we must guard against going to the opposite extreme and seeing law as useless or something to be lightly regarded. Laws ideally state those things that are for the best interests of everyone and make sure the rights of all are safeguarded. From Raymond, we can learn a respect for law as a means of serving the common good. Pray this St. Raymond of Penafort Novena for your intentions asking St. Raymond of Penafort to intercede to God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit on your behalf!. We like to say that he is the patron saint of "Canonists, Lawyers" because even though something may seem hopeless, with God there is always hope. How Do You Offer the Novena of St. Raymond of Penafort? A nine-day prayer devotion to St. Raymond of Penafort, the patron saint of lawyers and canonists, is known as a St. Raymond of Penafort Novena. An outline for praying a St. Raymond of Penafort Novena is provided