Saint Who?
Saints Who Took Detours in Life
Saint Peter González
Priest and religious († 1246) Feast: April 14
Peter was born into a noble Spanish family and was educated by his uncle, who was the bishop of the city of Astorga. However, the bishop was more interested in preparing his nephew for worldly success than for a life of virtue. Peter was still a boy when his uncle granted him a lucrative position as a canon.
One Christmas day, the proud young man rode into Astorga, showing off his finest clothes. But then his horse stumbled, and Peter was thrown to the ground. Passersby laughed at the sight of a rich man in expensive clothes covered in mud. This experience humbled Peter. In an instant, he recognized the pointlessness of his desire for worldly approval, and soon afterward, he entered the Dominican order.
Peter was ordained a priest, and his preaching converted many of his listeners. His sermons also impressed the Spanish king, who asked Peter to try to improve the moral life of his courtiers and his soldiers. This Peter did for some time, but then he started traveling through the countryside as a preacher. He particularly enjoyed visiting with and preaching to sailors, which is why he is still known as a patron of sailors. They call him Saint Telmo.
Lord God, help us remember that “pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
