Peter Damian
Life and witness
Hermit, cardinal and reformer who confronted clerical corruption while defending the freedom and holiness of the Church.
Little pictorial lives of the saints : with reflections for every day in the year : compiled from "Butler's Lives" and other approved sources : to which are added lives of the American saints : placed on the calendar for the United States by special petition of the Third Plenary Council of Baltimore · February 23.-ST. PETER DAMIAN.
February 23.-ST. PETER DAMIAN.
cr^T. Peter Damian was born in 988, and lost both ,r^ parents at an early age. His eldest brother, in whose hands he was left, treated him so cruelly that a younger brother, a priest, moved by his piteous state, sent him to the University of Parma, where he acquired great distinction. His studies were sanctified by vigils, fasts, and prayers, till at last, thinking that all this was only serving God by halves, he resolved to leave the world. He joined the monks of Font-Avellano, then in the greatest repute, and by his wisdom and sanctity rose to be Superior. He was employed on the most delicate and difficult mis- sions, amongst others the reform of ecclesiastical commu- nities, which was effected by his zeal. Seven Popes in succession made him their constant adviser, and he was at last created Cardinal Bishop of Ostia. He withstood Henry IV. of Germany, and labored in defence of Alexander 11. against the Antipope, whom he forced to yield and seek for pardon. He was charged, as Papal Legate, with the re- pression of simony ; again, was commissioned to settle dis- cords amongst various bishops ; and finally, in 1072, to- adjust the affairs of the Church at Ravenna. He w^as laid low by a fever on his homeward journey, and died at Faenza, in a monastery of his order, on the eighth day of his sickness, whilst the monks chanted matins around him.
Reflection. — The Saints studied, not in order to be ac- counted learned, but to become perfect. This only is wis- dom and true greatness, to account ourselves as ignorant.
Biographical overview
Peter Damian (Latin: Petrus Damianus; Italian: Pietro or Pier Damiani; c. 1007 – 21 or 22 February 1072 or 1073) was an Italian reforming Benedictine monk and cardinal in the circle of Pope Leo IX. Dante placed him in one of the highest circles of Paradiso as a great predecessor of Francis of Assisi and he was declared a Doctor of the Church on 27 September 1828. His feast day is 21 February.