Raymond of Capua was a prominent 14th-century Dominican friar who served as the Master General of the Order of Preachers from 1380 until 1399. Born in Capua around 1330, he joined the Dominican Order in 1350. He is widely recognized for his leadership during the Western Schism, during which he supported the Roman papacy, and for his role as the spiritual mentor to Catherine of Siena. Due to his significant influence on the Dominican Order, he is often referred to as its second founder.
Life and leadership
After entering the Dominican Order, Raymond served as the Prior Provincial of Lombardy. His leadership as Master General was marked by efforts to resolve the Western Schism. He was a dedicated hagiographer, notably documenting the life of his spiritual student, Catherine of Siena. He spent his final years in Nuremberg, where he died on 5 October 1399.
Veneration and legacy
The Catholic Church recognizes him as a blessed figure, having been beatified by Pope Leo XIII in 1899. His remains are interred in San Domenico Maggiore in Naples. He is commemorated annually on 5 October, the date of his death.