San Pietro d'Alcantara, Saint of the day for October 26th

Saint of the day for October 26th
(1499 - October 18, 1562)
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History of San Pietro d'Alcantara

Peter was a contemporary of well-known XNUMXth-century Spanish saints, including Ignatius of Loyola and John of the Cross. He served as the confessor of Saint Teresa of Avila. Church reform was an important issue in Peter's day, and he directed most of his energies to that end. His death occurred a year before the end of the Council of Trent.

Born into a noble family - his father was the governor of Alcantara in Spain - Pietro studied law at the University of Salamanca, and at 16 he joined the so-called Observant Franciscans, also known as the barefoot friars. While practicing many penances, he also demonstrated skills that were soon recognized. He was appointed superior of a new house even before his priestly ordination, was elected provincial at the age of 39, and was a very successful preacher. However, he was not above washing dishes and chopping wood for the friars. He did not seek attention; indeed, he preferred solitude.

Peter's penitential side was evident when it came to food and clothing. It is said that he slept only 90 minutes each night. While others spoke of the reform of the Church, Peter's reform began with himself. His patience was so great that a proverb arose: "To bear such an insult you need to have the patience of Peter of Alcantara."

In 1554, Peter received permission to form a group of Franciscans who followed the Rule of St. Francis with even greater rigor. These friars were known as Alcantarines. Some of the Spanish friars who came to North and South America in the XNUMXth, XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries were members of this group. At the end of the nineteenth century the Alcantarini united with other Observant friars to form the Order of Friars Minor.

As the spiritual director of Saint Teresa, Peter encouraged her to promote Carmelite reform. His preaching led many people to religious life, in particular to the Secular Franciscan Order, to the friars and to the Poor Clares.

Pietro d'Alcantara was canonized in 1669. His liturgical feast is on 22 September.

Reflection

Poverty was a means and not an end for Peter. The goal was to follow Christ with ever greater purity of heart. Anything that stood in the way could be eliminated without any real loss. The philosophy of our consumer age - you are worth what you own - might find Pietro d'Alcantara's approach severe. Ultimately, his approach is life-giving while consumerism is deadly.