A portrait of St. Peter Damian
St. Peter Damian
1007 – 1072
Feast
February 21 · XI c.
Patron of
Reformers · Theologians · Headache sufferers, traditional
Order
Cardinal / Doctor of the Church / Camaldolese
Italian Benedictine cardinal and theologian (1007-1072), of Ravenna, orphaned and reared by an elder brother whose name he took; entered the Camaldolese hermits at Fonte Avellana, of which he became prior. Cardinal-bishop of Ostia from 1057, the most vigorous Italian advocate of the Gregorian Reform against simony and clerical concubinage; author of the polemical "Liber Gomorrhianus." Doctor of the Church (1828).
Life & Times
Born: 1007 · Died: 1072 · From: Italy.
Patronage
St. Peter Damian is invoked as the patron of reformers, theologians, headache sufferers, traditional. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“Solitude is the workshop of holiness; alone with God, the soul is fashioned anew.”— St. Peter Damian (traditionally attributed)
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Peter Damian, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.