SAINT FOR FEBRUARY
 

SAINT PETER DAMIAN

Bishop and Doctor
(1007 - 1072)

“Let us faithfully transmit to posterity the example of virtue
  which we have received from our forefathers.”              (St. Peter Damian)

     Peter was born in Ravenna, Italy. Orphaned at a young age, he was mistreated by the brother into whose charge he was placed. Fortunately, another brother, who was archpriest of Ravenna, rescued him and saw to his education. Peter became a teacher for a short time. He was ordained to the priesthood, and in 1035 entered the Benedictine monastery at Fonte Avellana.

     Life at the monastery was strict and demanding. Peter was known for his fasting and acts of penance and for the long hours he spent in prayer. In 1043 he was elected abbot (prior) of the monastery. He began reorganizing the practices and rules of the order. Many were drawn to the monastery, and eventually Peter started five other monasteries.

     In 1057 he was made cardinal and bishop of Ostia. He was called upon by the Church to settle disputes, attend synods, and fight abuses. Peter believed that in order to reform society, society’s leaders must be reformed. He taught through the many letters, sermons, poems, stories, and biographies he wrote. He preferred examples and stories rather than theory in his writings. During his travels and diplomatic missions Peter remained a monk at heart. Drawn to prayer and solitude, he served the Church as best he could. Returning from what would be his last diplomatic assignment, Peter was overcome with a fever. He died on February 22, 1072 and was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1828.

Sources:  IN HIS LIKENESS,  by Rev. Charles E. Yost, SCJ, STL; SAINT OF THE DAY, Leonard Foley, O.F.M., Editor;
 SAINTS AND FEAST DAYS, Loyola University Press

THOUGHTS FROM THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH