The Day of St. Fernando.

Every May 30th is Saint Fernando's Day which is my namesake.  I used to celebrate it every year until 1973, when my son was born and I realized my Name Day was a pointless celebration, but nonetheless, I always take a moment to pay my respects to my grandfather FERNANDO LLERA MATEOS who passed away on December 9th, 1956, when I was only 5 years old and whom I still remember fondly.

Here are some historical facts about the name Fernando:

Ferdinand III (Spanish: Fernando; 1199/1201 – 30 May 1252), called the Saint (el Santo), was King of Castile from 1217 and King of León from 1230 as well as King of Galicia from 1231.[1] He was the son of Alfonso IX of León and Berenguela of Castile.  Saint Ferdinand is the patron saint of Seville, Aranjuez, San Fernando de Henares, Maspalomas, Pivijay, and of several other localities. He is also the patron of the Spanish Army's Corps of Engineers, and engineers generally.

 St. Fernando III

My grandfather's headstone

KING FOR A DAY!

May 30th is San Fernando's Day and since my grandfather was also named Fernando, I will be celebrating for both of us today. Actually, this date commemorates King Ferdinand III of Castile who died on May 30, 1252.  He was one of the most successful kings of Castile and in 1671 he was canonized by Pope Clement X.  In the United States, the city of San Fernando and the San Fernando Valley are named after him and placed under his patronage.  So, hail King Ferdinand!