Peter Damian, Cardinal and Doctor

Peter was an orphan who was put to work doing household chores, until he was rescued by one of his brothers, who took pity on him. He is said to have fed the poor from his own table, and eventually he became a hermit. He was made Abbot of his monastery and governed with wisdom and piety. He became a great leader, and eventually a bishop. He welcomed people to the church and was compassionate with many. But he pushed reforms in the church, even though some leaders did not want them. He persevered and did great good for the church. In the end, he lived out his life as a simple monk, which was his greatest wish.

Peter, though a brilliant man, sought a simple life of prayer and penance. Yet when God called him to undertake a different mission, Peter said yes. We too are sometimes called upon to step out of our “comfort zones” to respond to a call for a particular purpose in God’s plan.