Saint Peter of Alcantara
S. Petrus de Alcantara
1019 Pastors Memorial
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Peter was born in the year 1499. After completing his studies at Salamanca, he entered the Order of Friars Minor. After his ordination to the priesthood he discharged diverse offices in the Order. In the year 1554 he obtained permission for a more rigorous observance of the Rule, and thenceforward began to have companions. He trained them in penance, abstinence, prolonged prayer and strict poverty. Urged by his zeal for souls he applied himself with great fruit to preaching and by his advice assisted Saint Teresa of Avila in her activity among the Carmelites. He also composed books in which he related his own spiritual experience, sustained as it was principally by his devotion to the passion of Christ. He died on 18th October in the year 1562. He was canonized by Pope Clement IX in 1669.