An 11th-century saint for our time

By Cynthia Brewer

On Feb. 21, we celebrate the feast day of a professor, Benedictine monk, bishop, and cardinal of the Church in the 11th century, who was never formally canonized as a saint, but has been venerated as one since the time of his death. His name is St. Peter Damian. He so impacted the Church that in 1828, 750 years after his death, Pope Leo XII named him a Doctor of the Church.

This humble monk wished only to love and serve the Lord in the silence of his hermitage; however, God chose to use his wisdom, intelligence, and mercy to help reform His Church.

Early Years
Orphaned as a child, Peter was raised by his brother who mistreated him as his slave, making him a swineherd. Peter was rescued by another brother, Damianus, who was the archpriest in Ravenna, Italy. Noticing signs of pronounced piety and remarkable intellectual gifts in his brother, Damianus took Peter under his care and provided him with a good education.

Peter quickly improved in health and knowledge. Many believe he added his older brother's name to his own in gratitude for his love. Following Peter Damian's schooling, he became a popular professor at both Ravenna and Parma.

The beginning of his vocation
Peter was so offended by the scandals and distractions of university life that he offered up severe fasting, mortifications, and prayers in reparation.

While discerning God's call in his life, Peter Damian met two hermits from Fonte Avellana. Their spirituality and detachment from the world so attracted Peter that when they encouraged him to spend 40 days in retreat, he decided to join them permanently. He left behind his friends and the world without notice, and at once was received into the isolated Benedictine community.

Peter Damian continued his extreme penances both as a novice and a professed religious to the point that they affected his health. During his convalescence, he studied the Scriptures in depth, which led to his appointment as a lecturer to his community and other monasteries.

Wisdom and abilities
Peter was chosen by his prior to succeed him at his death, which he did in 1043, a position he held until his own death in 1072. When Frederic, the prior of Monte Cassino Abbey, was consecrated pope in 1057, he wished to make Peter cardinal-bishop of Ostia and administrator of the Diocese of Gubbio. In humility, Peter tried to refuse, accepting only after the threat of excommunication.

He became the papal legate (ambassador), serving as arbiter in disputes between many bishops and their clergy; bishops and abbots; the Holy See and laity; and even between King Henry IV, the future Holy Roman Emperor, and his queen Bertha. Peter Damian was the personal confidant of Popes Stephen IX (or X), Nicholas II, and Alexander II.

Although he begged for retirement from each pope, only Alexander II agreed, but Peter had to remain available to him.

Today's Church could use him
Peter was an influential figure in the Gregorian Reform movement, which emphasized the moral integrity of the clergy. His example and voluminous writings had a great influence on the Church's life.

The old cliché that "the more things change, the more they stay the same" is vindicated when we look at the history of the Church. Dioceses in 11th-century Italy faced problems with various scandals among the clergy, just as we do today.

In response to the weaknesses of some priests, Peter Damian wrote The Eremitical Order, laying out his commitment to severe asceticism, apostolic poverty, and solitude as the definitive form of the Christian life. In 1051, he addressed clerical sexual sins in Liber Gomorrhianus (The Book of Gomorrah), a treatise in response to clerical unchastity.

In 1052, he wrote against simony (the purchase of ecclesiastical positions) and benefices. Peter Damian strongly condemned the practices, yet defended the validity of sacraments administered by simoniacal clergy.

He led a group of reform-minded cardinals in 1059 to the decision that popes could only be elected by cardinal bishops. A thousand years later, the Church still follows his lead.

Mary and mercy
Like many other Doctors of the Church, Peter had a strong devotion to Our Lady. In his prayer, Officium Beatae Virginis, he speaks of Mary as the Mother of Mercy. In one stanza, he writes of Mary, "All the treasures of the mercy of God are in your hands. ... Your glory is increased when, through you, penitents are forgiven and reach heaven."

He personified mercy and was known to give away much in alms. While at university, he often cooked for hungry friends and strangers at his place, and although extremely strict with his own penances, the saint was often lenient with others.

Invoke the saint's help
Today when we see all the serious problems within the Church, it is easy to become despondent. Instead, we should call on St. Peter Damian's intercession and pray for reform.

Peter Damian would have been pleased to live a quiet life in his hermitage, teaching his fellow monks. When you feel pulled in a direction not to your liking, God may have greater plans for you. Ask St. Peter Damian to pray for and guide your future.

Saint Peter Damian, pray for us!