Saint Peter Damian, born in 988, lost both his parents at an early age. His eldest brother, to whose hands he was left, treated him so cruelly that another 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, until at last, thinking that all this was only serving God halfway, he resolved to leave the world. He joined the monks of Fonte Avellano, then in the greatest repute, and by his wisdom and sanctity rose to be Superior.
Saint Peter was called upon for the most delicate and difficult missions, among others the reform of ecclesiastical communities, which his zeal accomplished. Seven Popes in succession made him their constant adviser, and he was finally created Cardinal Bishop of Ostia. He withstood Henry IV of Germany, and labored in defense of Pope Alexander II against an antipope, whom he forced to yield and seek pardon. He was charged, as papal legate, with the repression of simony and correction of scandals; again, was commissioned to settle discords amongst various bishops; and finally, in 1072, to adjust the affairs of the Church at Ravenna. He had never paid attention to his health, which was at best fragile, and after enduring violent onslaughts of fever during the night, would rise to hear confessions, preach, or sing solemn Masses, always ready to sacrifice his well-being and life for the salvation of the souls entrusted to him.
After succeeding in this final mission as he ordinarily did, on his journey back to Ostia he was laid low by fever; he died at Faenza in a monastery of his Order, on the eighth day of his sickness, while the monks chanted Matins around him.
Les Petits Bollandistes: Vies des Saints, by Msgr. Paul Guérin (Bloud et Barral: Paris, 1882), Vol. 2; Little Pictorial Lives of the Saints, a compilation based on Butler's Lives of the Saints and other sources by John Gilmary Shea (Benziger Brothers: New York, 1894).
Scripture.2 Timothy 4:1-5
Beloved:
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus,
who will judge the living and the dead,
and by his appearing and his kingly power:
proclaim the word;
be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient;
convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.
For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine
but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity,
will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth
and will be diverted to myths.
But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances;
put up with hardship;
perform the work of an evangelist;
fulfill your ministry.
Writings
(Year C). We must mark and most diligently consider, brethren, that our Redeemer first passed over by the Cross and so raised His humanity to the glory of the right hand of the Father. In doing so He gave us an example: where the head goes, the members must follow. We are signed with the Cross on our foreheads; it will avail even more to our salvation if we hold it in our hearts. When the angel of death saw both doorposts smeared with blood, he passed by instead of bursting in. Let no one rely on the mark of the cross on his forehead if he does not show forth the truth of the Cross in his works. St. Paul showed forth the Cross in his behaviour most notably, and said: ‘I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.’ Therefore, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of body or spirit; let us arm ourselves to break the assault of our enemies, the vices, let us counteract the passions of carnal pleasure, and minister lovingly to the needs of our neighbours and suffer injuries in a spirit of charity. Let our souls be free from all the burdens of earthly greeds, so that, hurled on wings of holy desire they may forsake the depths and returning to their Maker rest sweetly in His love. Let us despise all that we see and hasten with unceasing labour to that which we believe. This indeed is the Cross which we must imprint on all our actions, all our behaviour. This is the Cross which we are commanded to bear after the Lord daily. He who carries it truly shares in the passion of his Redeemer. This emblem will separate the sheep from the goats in the last judgement. And the judge, who knows not the wicked, will recognize this mark in His own. Those whom He sees marked with the seal of His own death He will, as a gracious rewarder, invite to partake in the prize of everlasting life: ‘Come,’ He will say, ‘ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom’1 of Him with whom He Himself lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. (Sermon for the Finding of the Holy Cross)
Musical Selection (“No Eye Hath Seen What Joys The Saints Obtain"; Lyrics in video)
Collect
Almighty God,
grant that we may follow
the teaching and example of your bishop Peter Damian,
so that, placing Christ above all else
and devoting ourselves always to the service of your Church,
we may come to the joyful vision of eternal light.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
