SAN PEDRO DE VERONA
c.1205-1252
Priest & Dominican Protomartyr
Saint Peter was born at Verona, Italy, between 1205 and 1206 of Manichean parents. While a student at Bologna, he entered the Order of Preachers, receiving the habit from the hands of Saint Dominic himself. Full of zeal for the purity of the Faith, he preached the Word of God with great energy, bringing many back to the way of truth. He soon became a celebrated preacher and engaged in disputes with the heretics all over northern Italy. He is also known to have preserved his virginity to the end of his life.
When fatally stabbed by engaged heretics and dying on the road to Milan, he wrote on the ground with his own blood the Catholic doctrine he has so staunchly defended in his life: CREDO IN UNUM DEUM.
He died on April 6, 1252 and was canonized the following year by Pope Innocent IV in 1253.
O God, Author and Protector of faith, you crowned Blessed Peter, who persevered in the profession of the true faith, with the gift of Martyrdom; grant that, confessing the same faith with words and deeds, we may become successful in the salvation of souls. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.
FEASTDAY: JUNE 4
MEMORIAL
