St. Peter Damian is recognized as a passionate reformer of the Church, known for his dedication to monastic life and his efforts to combat moral corruption in the clergy during the 11th century.
About St. Peter Damian
Maybe because he was orphaned and had been treated shabbily by one of his brothers, Peter Damian was very good to the poor. It was the ordinary thing for him to have a poor person or two with him at table and he liked to minister personally to their needs.
Peter escaped poverty and the neglect of his own brother when his other brother, who was archpriest of Ravenna, took him under his wing. His brother sent him to good schools and Peter became a professor.
Already in those days, Peter was very strict with himself. He wore a hair shirt under his clothes, fasted rigorously and spent many hours in prayer. Soon, he decided to leave his teaching and give himself completely to prayer with the Benedictines of the reform of Saint Romuald at Fonte Avellana. They lived two monks to a hermitage. Peter was so eager to pray and slept so little that he soon suffered from severe insomnia. He found he had to use some prudence in taking care of himself. When he was not praying, he studied the Bible.
The abbot commanded that when he died Peter should succeed him. Abbot Peter founded five other hermitages. He encouraged his brothers in a life of prayer and solitude and wanted nothing more for himself. The Holy See periodically called on him, however, to be a peacemaker or troubleshooter, between two abbeys in dispute or a cleric or government official in some disagreement with Rome.
Finally, Pope Stephen IX made Peter the cardinal-bishop of Ostia. He worked hard to wipe out simony—the buying of church offices–and encouraged his priests to observe celibacy and urged even the diocesan clergy to live together and maintain scheduled prayer and religious observance. He wished to restore primitive discipline among religious and priests, warning against needless travel, violations of poverty, and too comfortable living. He even wrote to the bishop of Besancon complaining that the canons there sat down when they were singing the psalms in the Divine Office.
He wrote many letters. Some 170 are extant. We also have 53 of his sermons and seven lives, or biographies, that he wrote. He preferred examples and stories rather than theory in his writings. The liturgical offices he wrote are evidence of his talent as a stylist in Latin.
He asked often to be allowed to retire as cardinal-bishop of Ostia, and finally Pope Alexander II consented. Peter was happy to become once again just a monk, but he was still called to serve as a papal legate. When returning from such an assignment in Ravenna, he was overcome by a fever. With the monks gathered around him saying the Divine Office, he died on February 22, 1072. In 1828, he was declared a Doctor of the Church.
Why Pray the St. Peter Damian Novena?
St. Peter Damian does not have an official patronage, but he is a great saint to seek prayers from in many circumstances.
You can ask St. Peter Damian to pray for you if you are discerning a vocation to the Benedictine religious order, since he was a very holy Benedictine monk and abbot. You can also ask him to pray for someone you know who is discerning a vocation to the Benedictines or who is already a Benedictine.
Additionally, St. Peter Damian is a great saint to seek intercession from on behalf of Church leaders, since he was a holy cardinal and did a lot of work for Church reform.
St. Peter Damian Novena Prayers
Pray this St. Peter Damian Novena for your intentions asking St. Peter Damian to intercede to God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
You can pray the St. Peter Damian Novena for any intention!
St. Peter Damian Novena Day 1
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O holy Virgin, Mother of God, help those who implore your assistance. Turn toward us.
Have you perhaps forgotten us because you have been elevated to a position close to God? No, certainly not.
You know well in what danger you left us. You know the miserable condition of your servants. No, it would not benefit such great mercy as yours to forget such great misery as ours. Turn toward us, then, with your power, for He who is powerful has made you omnipotent in heaven and on earth. For you, nothing is impossible.
You can raise even those who are in despair to a hope of salvation. There more powerful you are, the greater should be your mercy. Turn also to us in your love.
I know. O Mary, that you are all kindness and that you love us with a love that no other love can surpass.
How often you appease the wrath of our Divine Judge, when He is on the point of punishing us! All the treasures of the mercy of God are in your hands. You will never cease to benefit us, I know, for you are only seeking an opportunity to save all sinners and to shower your mercies upon them.
Your glory is increased when, through you, penitents are forgiven and reach heaven. Turn, then, toward us, so that we may also be able to go and see you in heaven. For the greatest glory that we can have, after seeing God, will be to see you, to love you, and to be under your protection. So be pleased to grant our prayer, for your beloved Son wishes to honor you by refusing nothing that you ask.
Amen
(Mention your request here…)
St. Peter Damian, pray for us.
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
St. Peter Damian Novena Day 2
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O holy Virgin, Mother of God, help those who implore your assistance. Turn toward us.
Have you perhaps forgotten us because you have been elevated to a position close to God? No, certainly not.
You know well in what danger you left us. You know the miserable condition of your servants. No, it would not benefit such great mercy as yours to forget such great misery as ours. Turn toward us, then, with your power, for He who is powerful has made you omnipotent in heaven and on earth. For you, nothing is impossible.
You can raise even those who are in despair to a hope of salvation. There more powerful you are, the greater should be your mercy. Turn also to us in your love.
I know. O Mary, that you are all kindness and that you love us with a love that no other love can surpass.
How often you appease the wrath of our Divine Judge, when He is on the point of punishing us! All the treasures of the mercy of God are in your hands. You will never cease to benefit us, I know, for you are only seeking an opportunity to save all sinners and to shower your mercies upon them.
Your glory is increased when, through you, penitents are forgiven and reach heaven. Turn, then, toward us, so that we may also be able to go and see you in heaven. For the greatest glory that we can have, after seeing God, will be to see you, to love you, and to be under your protection. So be pleased to grant our prayer, for your beloved Son wishes to honor you by refusing nothing that you ask.
Amen
(Mention your request here…)
St. Peter Damian, pray for us.
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
St. Peter Damian Novena Day 3
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O holy Virgin, Mother of God, help those who implore your assistance. Turn toward us.
Have you perhaps forgotten us because you have been elevated to a position close to God? No, certainly not.
You know well in what danger you left us. You know the miserable condition of your servants. No, it would not benefit such great mercy as yours to forget such great misery as ours. Turn toward us, then, with your power, for He who is powerful has made you omnipotent in heaven and on earth. For you, nothing is impossible.
You can raise even those who are in despair to a hope of salvation. There more powerful you are, the greater should be your mercy. Turn also to us in your love.
I know. O Mary, that you are all kindness and that you love us with a love that no other love can surpass.
How often you appease the wrath of our Divine Judge, when He is on the point of punishing us! All the treasures of the mercy of God are in your hands. You will never cease to benefit us, I know, for you are only seeking an opportunity to save all sinners and to shower your mercies upon them.
Your glory is increased when, through you, penitents are forgiven and reach heaven. Turn, then, toward us, so that we may also be able to go and see you in heaven. For the greatest glory that we can have, after seeing God, will be to see you, to love you, and to be under your protection. So be pleased to grant our prayer, for your beloved Son wishes to honor you by refusing nothing that you ask.
Amen
(Mention your request here…)
St. Peter Damian, pray for us.
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
St. Peter Damian Novena Day 4
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O holy Virgin, Mother of God, help those who implore your assistance. Turn toward us.
Have you perhaps forgotten us because you have been elevated to a position close to God? No, certainly not.
You know well in what danger you left us. You know the miserable condition of your servants. No, it would not benefit such great mercy as yours to forget such great misery as ours. Turn toward us, then, with your power, for He who is powerful has made you omnipotent in heaven and on earth. For you, nothing is impossible.
You can raise even those who are in despair to a hope of salvation. There more powerful you are, the greater should be your mercy. Turn also to us in your love.
I know. O Mary, that you are all kindness and that you love us with a love that no other love can surpass.
How often you appease the wrath of our Divine Judge, when He is on the point of punishing us! All the treasures of the mercy of God are in your hands. You will never cease to benefit us, I know, for you are only seeking an opportunity to save all sinners and to shower your mercies upon them.
Your glory is increased when, through you, penitents are forgiven and reach heaven. Turn, then, toward us, so that we may also be able to go and see you in heaven. For the greatest glory that we can have, after seeing God, will be to see you, to love you, and to be under your protection. So be pleased to grant our prayer, for your beloved Son wishes to honor you by refusing nothing that you ask.
Amen
(Mention your request here…)
St. Peter Damian, pray for us.
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
St. Peter Damian Novena Day 5
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O holy Virgin, Mother of God, help those who implore your assistance. Turn toward us.
Have you perhaps forgotten us because you have been elevated to a position close to God? No, certainly not.
You know well in what danger you left us. You know the miserable condition of your servants. No, it would not benefit such great mercy as yours to forget such great misery as ours. Turn toward us, then, with your power, for He who is powerful has made you omnipotent in heaven and on earth. For you, nothing is impossible.
You can raise even those who are in despair to a hope of salvation. There more powerful you are, the greater should be your mercy. Turn also to us in your love.
I know. O Mary, that you are all kindness and that you love us with a love that no other love can surpass.
How often you appease the wrath of our Divine Judge, when He is on the point of punishing us! All the treasures of the mercy of God are in your hands. You will never cease to benefit us, I know, for you are only seeking an opportunity to save all sinners and to shower your mercies upon them.
Your glory is increased when, through you, penitents are forgiven and reach heaven. Turn, then, toward us, so that we may also be able to go and see you in heaven. For the greatest glory that we can have, after seeing God, will be to see you, to love you, and to be under your protection. So be pleased to grant our prayer, for your beloved Son wishes to honor you by refusing nothing that you ask.
Amen
(Mention your request here…)
St. Peter Damian, pray for us.
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
St. Peter Damian Novena Day 6
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O holy Virgin, Mother of God, help those who implore your assistance. Turn toward us.
Have you perhaps forgotten us because you have been elevated to a position close to God? No, certainly not.
You know well in what danger you left us. You know the miserable condition of your servants. No, it would not benefit such great mercy as yours to forget such great misery as ours. Turn toward us, then, with your power, for He who is powerful has made you omnipotent in heaven and on earth. For you, nothing is impossible.
You can raise even those who are in despair to a hope of salvation. There more powerful you are, the greater should be your mercy. Turn also to us in your love.
I know. O Mary, that you are all kindness and that you love us with a love that no other love can surpass.
How often you appease the wrath of our Divine Judge, when He is on the point of punishing us! All the treasures of the mercy of God are in your hands. You will never cease to benefit us, I know, for you are only seeking an opportunity to save all sinners and to shower your mercies upon them.
Your glory is increased when, through you, penitents are forgiven and reach heaven. Turn, then, toward us, so that we may also be able to go and see you in heaven. For the greatest glory that we can have, after seeing God, will be to see you, to love you, and to be under your protection. So be pleased to grant our prayer, for your beloved Son wishes to honor you by refusing nothing that you ask.
Amen
(Mention your request here…)
St. Peter Damian, pray for us.
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
St. Peter Damian Novena Day 7
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O holy Virgin, Mother of God, help those who implore your assistance. Turn toward us.
Have you perhaps forgotten us because you have been elevated to a position close to God? No, certainly not.
You know well in what danger you left us. You know the miserable condition of your servants. No, it would not benefit such great mercy as yours to forget such great misery as ours. Turn toward us, then, with your power, for He who is powerful has made you omnipotent in heaven and on earth. For you, nothing is impossible.
You can raise even those who are in despair to a hope of salvation. There more powerful you are, the greater should be your mercy. Turn also to us in your love.
I know. O Mary, that you are all kindness and that you love us with a love that no other love can surpass.
How often you appease the wrath of our Divine Judge, when He is on the point of punishing us! All the treasures of the mercy of God are in your hands. You will never cease to benefit us, I know, for you are only seeking an opportunity to save all sinners and to shower your mercies upon them.
Your glory is increased when, through you, penitents are forgiven and reach heaven. Turn, then, toward us, so that we may also be able to go and see you in heaven. For the greatest glory that we can have, after seeing God, will be to see you, to love you, and to be under your protection. So be pleased to grant our prayer, for your beloved Son wishes to honor you by refusing nothing that you ask.
Amen
(Mention your request here…)
St. Peter Damian, pray for us.
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
St. Peter Damian Novena Day 8
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O holy Virgin, Mother of God, help those who implore your assistance. Turn toward us.
Have you perhaps forgotten us because you have been elevated to a position close to God? No, certainly not.
You know well in what danger you left us. You know the miserable condition of your servants. No, it would not benefit such great mercy as yours to forget such great misery as ours. Turn toward us, then, with your power, for He who is powerful has made you omnipotent in heaven and on earth. For you, nothing is impossible.
You can raise even those who are in despair to a hope of salvation. There more powerful you are, the greater should be your mercy. Turn also to us in your love.
I know. O Mary, that you are all kindness and that you love us with a love that no other love can surpass.
How often you appease the wrath of our Divine Judge, when He is on the point of punishing us! All the treasures of the mercy of God are in your hands. You will never cease to benefit us, I know, for you are only seeking an opportunity to save all sinners and to shower your mercies upon them.
Your glory is increased when, through you, penitents are forgiven and reach heaven. Turn, then, toward us, so that we may also be able to go and see you in heaven. For the greatest glory that we can have, after seeing God, will be to see you, to love you, and to be under your protection. So be pleased to grant our prayer, for your beloved Son wishes to honor you by refusing nothing that you ask.
Amen
(Mention your request here…)
St. Peter Damian, pray for us.
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
St. Peter Damian Novena Day 9
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O holy Virgin, Mother of God, help those who implore your assistance. Turn toward us.
Have you perhaps forgotten us because you have been elevated to a position close to God? No, certainly not.
You know well in what danger you left us. You know the miserable condition of your servants. No, it would not benefit such great mercy as yours to forget such great misery as ours. Turn toward us, then, with your power, for He who is powerful has made you omnipotent in heaven and on earth. For you, nothing is impossible.
You can raise even those who are in despair to a hope of salvation. There more powerful you are, the greater should be your mercy. Turn also to us in your love.
I know. O Mary, that you are all kindness and that you love us with a love that no other love can surpass.
How often you appease the wrath of our Divine Judge, when He is on the point of punishing us! All the treasures of the mercy of God are in your hands. You will never cease to benefit us, I know, for you are only seeking an opportunity to save all sinners and to shower your mercies upon them.
Your glory is increased when, through you, penitents are forgiven and reach heaven. Turn, then, toward us, so that we may also be able to go and see you in heaven. For the greatest glory that we can have, after seeing God, will be to see you, to love you, and to be under your protection. So be pleased to grant our prayer, for your beloved Son wishes to honor you by refusing nothing that you ask.
Amen
(Mention your request here…)
St. Peter Damian, pray for us.
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…