Biography

Italian-born Peter Damian lived from 1007 to 1072. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by his older brothers. One of his brothers was a priest and made it possible for Damian to get a good education and eventually become a monk. He worked tirelessly toward reforming the church, which earned him the nickname of"Doctor of the Church." Damian rose in ranks from monk to bishop to cardinal and, posthumously, Saint. Besides being a priest and a poet, he was also an author. He wrote letters to encourage various reforms and wrote about the life of a holy monk named Romuald. Damian dedicated his life to piety, engaging in prayer, meditation, hermitage, and harsh penance. With chanting monks surrounding his deathbed, Damian died in 1072.

Wailand Groenendyk
CCEL Staff Writer