Ramon Llull is the eccentric mystic of Catalan literature. Born in Palma in 1232, he was the son of Catalan noble settlers who arrived following the conquest by James I. In his thirties, his frivolous and worldly life took a complete turn after hearing a sermon by the Bishop of Mallorca about Saint Francis of Assisi. He had previously witnessed five apparitions of the crucified Christ. He then abandoned his wife and two children to dedicate himself body and soul to writing his famous ArsA universal method for combating the 'errors' of the infidels, for which he would be considered the precursor of computer science. To gain more allies in this cause, he founded a missionary school in Miramar, on the coast of Valldemossa, with the patronage of King James II. He also traveled to Europe to secure the support of popes, monarchs, and lords.