Saint Peter Damian (1007–1072) was born in Ravenna, Italy, orphaned young, and became a Benedictine monk and later prior of the hermitage of Fonte Avellana. A tireless reformer of the Church, he was named Cardinal-Bishop of Ostia and worked to renew monastic life and root out corruption among the clergy. He was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1828.
Peter Damian shows that love for God can turn a hard beginning into a life of great purpose — he never forgot the poverty of his childhood and remained humble even as a cardinal. He teaches us to seek quiet prayer amid busy duties, and to serve the Church faithfully even when the work is difficult.
Saint Peter Damian, lover of prayer and faithful servant of the Church, help us to find God in silence and to serve Him with humble, steadfast hearts. Amen.