St. Peter Damian

St. Peter Damian was born in 1007 at Ravenna, Italy, the youngest child in a large family. Orphaned at an early age, he was sent to live with a brother, and was well educated in Fienza and Parma. After he became a Benedictine monk, his health suffered, especially when he tried to replace sleep with prayer. Occasionally he was called on by the Vatican to make peace between arguing monastic houses, clergymen, and government officials.  A prolific correspondent, he also wrote dozens of sermons; seven biographies (including one of Saint Romuald); and poetry, including some of the best Latin of the time. He died at Ravenna in 1072.

Peter was never formally canonized; his cultus developed almost immediately after his death, and was approved and extended to the whole Church in 1823 by Pope Leo XII. Peter was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1828. 

His Feast Day is February 21.