Patron of Headache SufferersA devoted collaborator of Pope St. Gregory VII and, like him, a Benedictine, St. Peter Damian was one of the most glorious lights of the Church in the 11th century. Born in Ravenna in 1007, he became a Camaldolese monk at the monastery of Fonte Avellana, and soon its Abbot. He later became Cardinal-Bishop of Ostia.
St. Peter Damian worked zealously for the internal reform of the Church by fighting against such abuses as simony and incontinence. He wrote many works on ascetical theology. He died at Faenza in 1072. In 1828, Pope Leo XII placed his feast on the Universal Calendar and made him a Doctor of the Church.
PRAYER: Almighty God, help us to follow the teachings and example of St. Peter. Placing Christ above all things, may we be ever active in the service of Your Church and attain the joys of eternal light. Amen.