Peter
Damian was born in Ravenna, Italy. His parents died when he was still
very young, and he was adopted by his older brother who sent him to
school, where he excelled in his studies and eventually worked as a
professor.
Fasting and prayer were the great hallmarks of his
sanctity. He had a great love for those less fortunate than himself, and
frequently dined with the poor at his table, serving them with his own
hands.
Leaving all his earthly possessions, Peter became a hermit
in the Order of St. Benedict. Though reluctant to do so, he later
became abbot of the hermitage in 1043. He guided his holy brothers with
great piety, and eventually founded five other hermitages.
Peter’s
wisdom was valued greatly within the Church, and in time, he was asked
to be Cardinal-Bishop of Ostia. He reluctantly accepted, but often asked
to be reinstated as a simple monk. Eventually his wish was granted, and
he returned to his simple life as a hermit, though he continued to
assist the Church in matters of importance. He died at Faenza in 1072 of
a severe fever.
The Hildebrandine reform in the Church – the
stress for clerical celibacy and the fight against simony – is largely
due to St. Peter Damien. He was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1828.
Sunday, February 21, 2021
St. Peter Damian
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