Franciscan Saint | Saint Peter Regalado

Saint Peter Regalado, born into a wealthy and devout family in Spain, entered the Conventual Franciscans at the age of 13. After his ordination, he became superior of the friary in Aguilar and joined a group of friars seeking a life of poverty and penance.

In 1442, he was appointed head of all Spanish Franciscans in the reform movement. Known for leading by example, Saint Peter kept almost continuous silence, devoted most of the night to prayer, and celebrated Holy Mass with such devotion that he often wept. He practiced severe austerities, scourging his body even until he bled, sleeping on the bare floor or straw, and observing nine forty-day fasts each year on bread and water. His love for the poor and sick was extraordinary, with miraculous stories told of bread that never ran out while he fed the hungry.

Following his death, Peter's body was reported to be incorrupt when exhumed 36 years later at the request of Catholic Queen Isabella. He was beatified in 1684 and formally canonized by Pope Benedict XIV in 1746.

Reflection: How can I practice self-discipline and prayer in my daily life as Saint Peter did?