Blessed Peter of Siena

Out of a sense of humility, he renounced worldly garments and clothed himself in the livery of penance, embracing the Secular Third Order of Saint Francis. Shortly thereafter, having lost his wife, with whom he had no children, he sold all that he possessed, gave it to the poor, and devoted himself entirely to the practice of perfection.

He frequented the famous hospital of Siena, call ed Santa Maria de hôpital de Sienne Italian city defining the area of activity of the blessed. lla Scala, and spent a large part of the day and even the night in prayer, either in the church of Saint Dominic or in that of Our Lady, which is the principal one of his city. The lights he received in his communications with God made him realize how perfectly Saint Francis had imitated Jesus Christ. Out of affect saint François Founder of the Order of Friars Minor. ion for the holy patriarch whose son he had become, he wished to live among his disciples and entered the Friars Minor of Siena as a guest. He remained there for t he rest of his days, enj Frères Mineurs de Sienne Mendicant religious order to which the saint belonged. oying all the consolations that God reserves for pure souls and successfully defending himself against the attacks of the devil.

The meditation on heavenly things had so kindled the fire of charity in the heart of this holy man that this fire manifested itself outwardly, and he appeared to be entirely surrounded by light. This prodigy brought him a great reputation for holiness; but the high regard in which he was held did not in any way diminish his humility. Rightly viewing this virtue as the foundation of all others, he practiced it with particular care; he also held silence in high esteem, and preserved the purity of his soul and body through his almost continual abstinence, his vigils, his long prayers, and his frequent pilgrimages. It is said that one day, while he was bitterly lamenting the faults of his youth, he heard the voice of an angel who announced to him that his sins were forgiven.

God manifested the eminent virtue of His servant by working several miracles through him and by filling him with extraordinary graces; and this poor artisan became so famous that his fellow citizens consulted him on the most important public affairs. The Blessed Ambros e of Siena, of the Order of Sa bienheureux Ambroise de Sienne Contemporary Dominican who followed the advice of Peter. int Dominic, took pride in following his advice, just as he was honored to be in contact with him.

Peter, enriched with merits for heaven, fell ill in 1289, and, after having received the sacraments of the Church, he rendered his holy soul to his Creator on December 4 of the same year. He was buried in the church of Saint Francis, where the government of Siena had a magnificent tomb erected for him, and, in concert with the inhabitants, decided that his memory would be celebrated each year. This decree is still observed in this city. pape Pie II Contemporary pope who praised the virtues of Joan. Pope Pius II proclaimed the holiness of the servant of God in a sermon he preached in Sie Pie VII Pope who authorized the cult of Blessed Rainier. na; and Pius VII, in 1802, permitted his feast to be celebrated.

A comb is placed in his images to recall his profession.

Taken from the lessons of his office. See the Franciscan martyrolo gy by Father Arthur D Père Arthur Dumontier Author of the Franciscan martyrology cited as a source. umontier. This writer cites a fairly large number of authors who have spoken of Blessed Peter.