A portrait of St. Peter of Alcantara
St. Peter of Alcantara
1499 – 1562
Feast
October 22 · XVI c.
Patron of
Night watchmen · Brazil, traditional · Franciscan reform
Order
Priest / Franciscan / Reformer
Spanish Franciscan reformer (1499-1562), Extremaduran provincial who founded the strictest Franciscan reform of his time (the Alcantarines, with cells of seven feet square and discalced observance). Spiritual director of St. Teresa of Avila, whose reform he encouraged and confirmed; author of a celebrated "Treatise on Prayer and Meditation." Canonized 1669 by Clement IX.
Life & Times
Born: 1499 · Died: 1562 · From: Spain.
Patronage
St. Peter of Alcantara is invoked as the patron of night watchmen, brazil, traditional, franciscan reform. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“Prayer is the conversation of the soul with God.”— Treatise on Prayer and Meditation.
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Peter of Alcantara, 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.