San Pascual (1540-1592) Pascual Bailon (Baylon) was born in Torre Hermosa, Aragon, Spain. His faith led him to the Franciscan monastery in Loreto. Because he was uneducated, the friars would only accept him to do menial tasks such as cooking. His devotion to his faith and kindness of heart to the poor made him beloved by all. San Pascual is the patron saint of cooks and the kitchen. He is especially loved in New Mexico. San Pascual is my favorite saint to paint because of my love and memories of my Grandma Reynalda Almeida. She lived in a little adobe casita near Canyon Road in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She always had a pot simmering on the stove and open arms ready for her children and grandchildren. It is with her in mind and in my heart that I paint San Pascual.