Monk, Bishop, and Doctor of the Church (1007-1072)

His life

+ Peter was born in Ravenna, Italy, and became a Camaldolese Benedictine monk in the celebrated monastery of Fonte Avellana. Elected abbot in 1043, he did not assume the title, choosing instead to be called “Prior-General.”

+ It was during this period that Peter wrote his first literary work: a life of Saint Romuald, founder of the Camaldolese monks. In the book, Peter articulates the ideals that would guide his own life and ministry: exalting the life of contemplation and reforming the clergy.

+ Peter believed that only a reform of the papacy could heal the schisms and divisions that were wreaking havoc on the Church. Named cardinal-archbishop of Ostia in 1057, he worked for internal reform by fighting against many abuses of power within the hierarchy.

+ After resigning as bishop, Peter returned to his monastery. His later writings focus on the need for reform and emphasize the importance of liturgy and the religious life. Known as a man who could be both tender and incredibly harsh, his devotion to Christ Crucified and the maternal love of Mary would help shape popular devotions in later centuries.

+ Saint Peter Damian died in 1072. Although he was never formally canonized, he was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1828.

For Prayer and Reflection

“He spent himself, with lucid consistency and great severity, for the reform of the Church of his time. He gave all his spiritual and physical energies to Christ and to the Church, but always remained, as he liked to describe himself, Petrus ultimus monachorum servus, Peter, the lowliest servant of the monks.”—Pope Benedict XVI

Spiritual bonus

On this day we also remember Saint Eustathius of Antioch. Renowned for his teaching, on account of his defense of the Catholic faith during the reign of the Arian Emperor Constantius, he was driven into exile in what is now Traianoupoli, Greece. Saint Eustathius died around the year 338.

Prayer

Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that we may so follow the teaching and example
of the Bishop Saint Peter Damian,
that, putting nothing before Christ
and always ardent in the service of your Church,
we may be led to the joys of eternal light.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal)
Saint profiles prepared by Father Silas Henderson, S.D.S.

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