King James of Spain had business on the island of Majorca, Spain, and wanted to enjoy the company of St. Raymund of Penafort (1175-1275). The Saint refused to go because the king would not stop committing mortal sins, even though St. Raymund had warned him over and over again. King James at last promised the holy monk that if he would accompany him on this trip, the king would stop committing these sins. After a while though, the king broke his promise. Raymund then asked King James for a boat so that he could leave the island and go back to Barcelona. The king refused. In fact he sent out an order that if anyone helped Raymund get off the island in any way, then they would be sentenced to death. “An earthly king,” St. Raymund told his companion, “withholds the means of flight, but the King of Heaven will supply them.” He walked up to the edge of the sea and spread his cloak out on the water. Taking one corner of it , he tied it to his staff, thus making a sail. Then, making the Sign of the Cross, Raymund stepped onto the cloak. His companion did not know what to expect. When the Saint’s foot touched the material, it didn’t sink but became firm and supported his weight. He then sailed on to Barcelona. The speedy little vessel landed at Barcelona, which was about 210 miles away, in 6 hours. That means he was going roughly 35 miles an hour - that is as fast as a modern motor boat. The people on shore saw him swiftly coming their way. Imagine, seeing this man coming towards your dock at the speed of a galloping horse! Raymund landed to the sounds of cheers and shouts of delight. Collecting his dry cloak out of water, the holy monk pushed his way through the crowd and headed back to his monastery. At the spot where he landed a church and tower were built, in remembrance of the miracle that occurred there.