If you are one of those people who burns even the water, then you need to know Saint Paschal Baylón, the saint of the kitchen and patron of cooks.  

Saint Paschal Baylón, although of Spanish origin, has gained thousands of followers around the world, especially in Mexico. In fact, those who dedicate themselves to cooking have so much faith in him that there are several prayers to ensure the food turns out well.  

Now you know, if you also need a miracle in the kitchen, then don’t miss the story of this saint, the prayers you can say to him, and some tips for cooking with divine intervention. 

You can also read: The delicious origin of mole poblano

Saint Paschal Baylón and his miracles 

This saint is attributed several miracles, including the multiplication of food and the healing of the sick. One of the best-known stories recounts that during a food shortage in his monastery, Saint Paschal turned stones into bread to feed other Franciscan monks.  

It is also said that it was thanks to his divine intervention that the mole poblano came to be. According to various sources, when the viceroy Juan Palafox visited Puebla, Brother Pascual was very nervous about cooking.  

When it came time to clean the kitchen, he stumbled and spilled chilies, spices, and chocolate into a pot. He decided to cook the mixture, not without first entrusting himself to Saint Paschal Baylón. To his surprise, everyone praised the dish: the now-famous mole poblano.

Saint Paschal Baylón in Mexican cuisine

Although this saint is of Spanish origin, the devotion to Saint Paschal Baylón arrived in our country during the colonial period, especially in Puebla, where nuns invoked him to ensure good flavor in their stews. Over time, he became established as the patron of cooks and chefs throughout the country. 

In Oaxaca, his image was placed in a special niche in the temple of Santo Domingo de Guzmán during a special ceremony. 

See more: Talavera, the art that survives the passage of time

Prayers for good flavor

To invoke the help of Saint Paschal Baylón in the kitchen, popular prayers are recited such as: 

• “Saint Paschal Baylón, dance for me at this stove. You give me the flavor and I’ll dance a danzón for you.”
• “Saint Paschal Baylón, who jumps, runs, and almost flies through pots and pans, give my stew flavor.”

So if you don’t even know how to boil an egg, don’t hesitate to put these prayers to the test so that your dishes turn out delicious.

Tips for cooking with the help of Saint Paschal Baylón 

If you want to invoke the help of Saint Paschal Baylón in the kitchen and ensure good flavor in your recipes, consider the following:

• Say a prayer: Before you start cooking, recite one of the prayers mentioned above, asking for the saint's intercession so that your stews have good flavor. 
• Keep a positive attitude: Cook with joy and love, as it is believed that positive energy influences the flavor of the dishes. 
• Share your food: Following the example of Saint Paschal Baylón, share your meals with others, especially with those in need. 
• Keep your kitchen clean and organized: Cleanliness and order in the kitchen are essential for preparing food hygienically.

Now you know, to have good flavor in the kitchen, you only need 2 things: the recipes from kiwilimón and a prayer to Saint Paschal Baylón.  

To bring delicious dishes to your table, they must be prepared with love, attention, and a lot of faith in your own flavor. To make them even better, just follow the recipes step by step and entrust yourself to this saint. Happy cooking!  

Continue reading: The pipián, a pre-Hispanic dish with a lot of history