Saint Who?
Saints Who Grew Up in Poverty
Saint Peter Damian
Bishop and Doctor of the Church († 1072)Feast: February 21
“He does not love Christ who does not love the cross of Christ.” Peter was born to a family of impoverished nobles. They became so anxious about the burdens of another mouth to feed that his mother left off nursing. A servant came to the rescue, feeding Peter and rebuking his mother till she repented of her cruelty. When Peter’s parents died, he was put to work by his brother, who abused and underfed him. His brother Damian, a priest, intervened and arranged for proper care and an education for Peter. In gratitude for this kindness, Peter added the name Damian to his own.
Though an excellent student, Peter hated the worldly university life. He joined some hermits, but ruined his health with excessive penances. During his recovery, he studied Scripture, soon becoming a sought-after teacher. He was appointed prior, and increased the monks’ penitential activity while teaching them to approach it in a spirit of moderation. He introduced a midday rest to compensate for the sleep lost with the monks’ nighttime devotions. While remaining a true ascetic, he reminded them that the best penance was accepting God’s will.
Peter became a trusted guide for the Church through tumult and scandal. He was forced, under pain of excommunication, to become a cardinal. After his death, he was immediately venerated. He was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XII in 1828.
Merciful Father, through the prayers of
Saint Peter Damian, help families to gratefully receive and nurture each child as a gift from God.
