Saint of the day, May 8
Peter was born in France in 1102 and at the age of 20 entered the Cistercian order. His entrance became a family affair, as his father and two brothers decided to enter with him. He grew in holiness during his time with the Cistercians and grew in piety. When he was thirty, he was assigned to be the abbot in Tarantaise. While there, he built a hospital for travelers, which also functioned as a guest house.
May 8 - St. Peter of Tarantaise
Born: 1102
Died: 1175
Nationality: French
Vocation: Cistercian Archbishop
Attributes: episcopal vestments, Cistercian habit
Patronage: Tarantaise
Canonization: 1191
Peter was born in France in 1102 and at the age of 20 entered the Cistercian order. His entrance became a family affair, as his father and two brothers decided to enter with him. He grew in holiness during his time with the Cistercians and grew in piety. When he was thirty, he was assigned to be the abbot in Tarantaise. While there, he built a hospital for travelers, which also functioned as a guest house.
In 1142, the abbot was appointed to be the archbishop of Tarantaise, a post Peter wanted to refuse in favor of remaining in the monastery with his brethren. He reluctantly accepted and did much for his diocese. He provided for the education and feeding of the poor in the diocese. He reformed lax clergy and visited the outskirts of his diocese regularly. He is also credited with beginning the tradition of “May bread,” the distribution of bread and soup to the poor just before the harvest.
The reluctant archbishop tried to escape after thirteen years of serving his diocese. He disappeared and was eventually located a year later, serving as a lay brother at a Cistercian monastery in Switzerland. He was convinced to return to his post.
Known as an advisor to popes and kings as well as a peacekeeper to world powers, Peter continued to humbly work in the role he had been given.
Peter died after one of his peacekeeping endeavors in the year 1174.
