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SAINTS: St. Peter Damian: Champion of Reform and Prayer
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Feb 1, 2025
As we approach the feast day of St. Peter Damian on February 21, we are reminded of his extraordinary life of prayer, reform, and unwavering dedication to Christ. Known as a bold reformer and a Doctor of the Church, St. Peter Damian’s story inspires us to deepen our faith and remain steadfast in proclaiming the Gospel, even in the face of challenges.
3 Key Facts About St. Peter Damian
Orphan Turned Scholar: Born in 1007 in Ravenna, Italy, Peter was orphaned at a young age but rose to become a brilliant scholar. By the age of 25, he was a professor, but his desire for holiness led him to leave academia and embrace the austere life of a hermit at Fonte Avellana.
Fearless Reformer: St. Peter Damian didn’t shy away from addressing corruption in the Church. In his famous work Liber Gomorrhianus, he condemned clerical immorality and urged the Church to uphold the sacredness of the priesthood. His efforts contributed to vital reforms during a tumultuous period in Church history.
Doctor of the Church: Recognized for his theological brilliance and writings on ecclesiology and monastic life, St. Peter Damian was named a Doctor of the Church in 1828. His teachings on Christ-centered living and contemplative prayer continue to resonate with the faithful today.
A Prayerful Life
St. Peter Damian’s life was deeply rooted in prayer, and his writings reflect his devotion to Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary. He reminds us of the importance of silence and contemplation as a path to holiness, and his example encourages us to place Christ at the center of our lives.
St. Peter Damian’s Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary
As we honor his legacy, let us pray one of his beautiful prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary, seeking her intercession and love:
O holy Virgin, Mother of God, help those who implore your assistance.
Turn toward us.
Have you perhaps forgotten us because you have been elevated to a position close to God?
No, certainly not!
You know well in what danger you left us.
You know the miserable condition of your servants.
No, it would not benefit such great mercy as yours to forget such great misery as ours.
Turn toward us, then, with your power, for He who is powerful has made you omnipotent in heaven and on earth.
For you, nothing is impossible.
You can raise even those who are in despair to a hope of salvation.
The more powerful you are, the greater should be your mercy.
Turn also to us in your love.
I know, O Mary, that you are all kindness and that you love us with a love that no other love can surpass.
How often you appease the wrath of our Divine Judge when He is on the point of punishing us!
All the treasures of the mercy of God are in your hands.
You will never cease to benefit us, I know, for you are only seeking an opportunity to save all sinners and to shower your mercies upon them.
Your glory is increased when, through you, penitents are forgiven and reach heaven.
Turn, then, toward us, so that we may also be able to go and see you in heaven.
For the greatest glory that we can have, after seeing God, will be to see you, to love you, and to be under your protection.
So be pleased to grant our prayer; for your beloved Son wishes to honor you by refusing nothing that you ask. Amen.
Dive Deeper into His Life
To honor St. Peter Damian’s feast day, we’ve created a special playlist about his life and teachings. Together, let’s ask St. Peter Damian for the strength to live boldly in faith and to bear witness to Christ in all that we do.
Listen to the playlist now on the Tabella App and be inspired by the legacy of this great reformer and saint!
