“Those who do not love the Cross of Christ do not love Christ”
Self described as, “Peter, the lowliest servant of the monks.”
Peter was born in Ravenna, Italy, in the year 1007. His parents passed away when he was just a child and he was taken in by one of his married brothers, but was treated like a slave. Upon hearing of his treatment, another brother of his, Damian, who was the arch-priest of Ravenna, arranged for his education.
It is assumed that Peter added on the name of Damian in a gesture of gratitude to his brother.
He went on to become a much acclaimed teacher, living a life steeped in prayer and personal sacrifices to conquer the flesh and make himself more obedient to God.
At the age of 28, he resolved to leave the world entirely and entered a hermitage dedicated to the Holy Cross at Fonte Avellana. With extreme reluctance, and by unanimous consent, he became Prior in 1043. He was sent to found and reform many other monasteries and was famous for instilling with his brethren the importance of solitude, charity, and humility. Many of them became great lights of the Church.
He gave generously to those in need, often inviting the hungry to share his table.
For years he served 4 successive Popes, and Pope Stephen IX pressed him to leave the monastic life for a position as Cardinal-bishop of Ostia. Peter urged the Pope to allow him to resign but he was always refused.
With Pope Alexander II, he was finally able to retire and reduce himself to a simple monk, but he still edified the Church by his humility, penance and compunction, and labored in his writings to enforce the observance of morality and discipline. He confronted kings and clergy with extraordinary force while also treating them with charity when required. He was called upon many times to settle grievances and disputes.
Whatever austerities he prescribed for others, he practiced himself, even in his old age. He constantly kept himself busy when not at work or in prayer.
In a return journey to Rome, he took on an aggressive fever, and sought refuge in a monastery dedicated to Our Lady. He died 8 days later on February 22, 1072, while monks sang a vigil around him.
He was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1823.
He is the patron saint of Faenza and Font-Avellano, Italy.
His feast day is February 21 as the 22nd is the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter the Apostle.
For God’s Glory.
