A Severe Yet Pious Saint

Today's saint was very strict with his outward signs of penance, and expected much from those around him as well.  God might not expect such harshness in life at all times, but we can learn from this pious man for the times (like this Lenten season) when it is needed.

St Peter Damian

Feast day: February 21
Birth: 1007
Death: 1072
Doctor of the Church
Italy

Peter Damian had a difficult childhood, as his parents both died when he was young and he was left to be raised by harsh siblings.  One brother treated him as if he were his slave.  He was expected to take care of the pigs, which is a difficult and dangerous job for a young child.  He was then sent to live with his brother, a priest, who felt pity for his young sibling.  He was finally educated and cared for in a loving way.

He grew in his faith and learning with ease under this care.  He also became very pious in his outward signs of penance.  He gave most of what he had to the poor and spent most of his time in fasting and prayer.  He soon thought about leaving his entire world behind to live the life of a hermit.  However, it was at this time the monastery had a visit from two Benedictine monks.

He immediately left to enter into their order.  He lived a life of great prayer and devotion, as well as the study of Scripture and Church teachings.  This was quite intense that grew more as he had little desire for sleep during this time.  This devotion was seen by all the monks as a sign of great piety and the abbot even chose him as his successor upon his death.  Peter Damian only agreed to this authority out of obedience to his authority.

In 1043, Peter assumed the direction of that holy family, which he governed with great wisdom and piety. He also founded five other hermitages.  Under his direction, many saintly men came forward to inspire others in the faith.

In 1057, he was again faced with the chose to be obedient when Pope Stephen IX chose to make him a Cardinal-bishop.  When not making his diocese better, he was begging the pope for his retirement!  He wrote many letters and articles during this time, especially to calling on the clergy to live more pious lives.  He also fought simony with great vigor, upheld clerical celibacy and supported a severely ascetical life for monks.

He spent the remainder of his life back in his hermitage style cell at the monastery.  He would only be pulled away by obedience to the pope as his papal legate.  It was after one of these trips that Peter Damian returned to the monastery sick with a fever.  He died surrounded by his fellow monks at his side.

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