MEMORIAL: FEBRUARY 21
St. Peter Damian was born in Italy in the 11th century. He was orphaned at a young age and had a rough childhood, until a religious brother took him in and provided an education. Peter excelled in his religious studies, but also lived a life of fasting and penance, even in his youth. He became a benedictine monk and a hermit. It was not long until he became leader of the hermitage and eventually called by the pope to become a Bishop. He served for many years until the pope finally let him resign back to his life as a hermit. St. Peter Damian is known for his strong stance against sin and the need for reform in the Church. He had many writings calling for many leaders of the church to repent. He died at the age of 65 and was later proclaimed a doctor of the Church.
