Raymond was born on Saturday, 23 January 1875 on the feast of St Raymond of Penyafort in Shimoga, Karnataka to a devout, pious and God-fearing couple Mr Lazarus and Mrs Joanna Mascarenhas. They named him after the saint of the day - Raymond - with an additional name Camillus, on 27 January 1875. Later while in the Seminary, he prayed through the intercession of St Francis Xavier for the gift of voice to chant/sing the prayers during Mass, which he obtained. As a mark of gratitude, Raymond added ‘Francis’ as his middle name. Thereafter, he was officially called as Raymond Francis Camillus Mascarenhas (RFC). Interestingly, he had the privilege of bearing the names of three saints - Raymond, Francis Xavier and Camillus - and some of their characteristics like the compassionate nature, love for prayer and love for the Blessed Mother of St Raymond of Penyafort, the caring and compassionate nature of St Camillus and the zeal for souls of St Francis Xavier were prominent in RFC....Read more

Founders' Memorial

The Servant of God Raymond Francis Camillus Mascarenhas was born in Shivamogga on 23rd January 1875 and was baptized on 27th of the same month at the Sacred Heart Church, Shivamogga. He was the seventh among the 13 children of Lazarus and Joanna. read more