Saint Peter Damian
Stored in Cargo: Saint Peter Damian
| Saint Peter Damian | |
| Feast Day | February 21 (Latin Church), February 23 (Orthodox Church) |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Headaches, Insomniacs, Spiritual Directors |
| Birthplace | Ravenna, Italy |
| Death Place | Faenza, Italy |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes |
| Primary Shrine | Basilica of San Apollinare in Classe, Ravenna, Italy |
Saint Peter Damian, born in 1007 in Ravenna, Italy, was a monk, cardinal, and reformer whose work significantly influenced the Catholic Church during the 11th century[1]. Known for his efforts in church reform, especially against clerical abuses, he was also a prolific writer, contributing to theology and canon law[2].
His zeal for reform and his ascetic lifestyle earned him the title "Doctor of the Church" in 1828[3].
Biography
Birth
Peter Damian was born in 1007 in Ravenna, Italy[3].
Early Life
Orphaned as a child, he was raised by a brother who treated him harshly, but another brother later sent him to school[1].
Occupation
Before his religious life, he was a professor and worked in the bishop's chancery[2].
Vocation
He joined the Camaldolese Order, living an ascetic life, and later became the prior of Fonte Avellana[3]. His writings and reforms attracted the attention of the papacy, leading to his appointment as a cardinal in 1057 by Pope Stephen IX[1].
Death
He died on February 22, 1072, in Faenza, Italy, from natural causes[4].
Significant events
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Ravenna, Italy
Death location: Faenza, Italy
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Death
St. Peter Damian died peacefully in Faenza while on a mission of reform, having lived a life dedicated to the spiritual and moral betterment of the Church.
Canonization
Servant of God
The process to recognize Peter Damian as a Servant of God likely began in the centuries following his death, but specific details are not recorded[3].
Venerable
His life of heroic virtue was recognized, leading to his being declared Venerable, though the exact date isn't known[3].
Beatification
Not formally beatified; recognized as a saint by the early Church[3].
Canonization
Canonized in 1828 by Pope Leo XII[3], recognizing his contributions to the Church's reform and his theological works.
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
No specific miracles are recorded for his beatification; his sanctity was recognized based on his life and works[3].
Miracle for canonization
Not applicable; his canonization was based on his life's work and influence on the Church rather than specific miracles[3].
Other notable miracles
- While not widely documented for miracles, his life was seen as one of spiritual miracles through his reforms[4].
Patronage
St. Peter Damian is the patron saint of headaches, insomniacs, and spiritual directors[3].
Feast day
His feast day is celebrated on February 21 in the Latin Church and February 23 in the Orthodox Church[3].
Veneration
St. Peter Damian is venerated in both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. His relics are preserved in the Basilica of San Apollinare in Classe, Ravenna. He is remembered for his contributions to church reform, his writings, and his ascetic life[1].
Books
Written about the saint
- Numerous books exist on his life, reform efforts, and writings, but no specific modern titles were listed<ref name="w