St. Peter Damian
St. Peter Damian was born in 1007 in Ravenna, Italy. He lost his parents at a very young age and one brother was left in charge of him. This brother treated him poorly and had him tend swine. Once Peter was old enough, a different brother, who was the archpriest of Ravenna, noticed the neglected Peter and took him in to be educated. Peter added Damian to his name in honor of this brother. In school, Peter proved to be an apt student, and later became a professor. While a professor, Peter constantly engaged in fasts and prayer. He then resolved to leave the world to enter monastic life. Even as a monk living in seclusion, he was a valuable reformer in the Church. He was friends with Pope Gregory VII and counseled many popes throughout his life. While traveling to Rome to meet with the Pope, Peter was sickened with a fever in a monastery near Faenza. Eight days later, Peter Damian died on February 22, 1072. St. Peter Damian was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1828.