S. PETER THE SPANIARD, H.
(DATE UNCERTAIN.)
[Roman Martyrology. Authorities:—A Life from MS. of Babuco, published by Bollandus.]
S. Peter was the son of noble parents in Spain, and was brought up in the profession of arms. In the army he distinguished himself as much by his zeal for souls and purity of life, as by his courage. His parents having insisted on his marriage, he yielded with great repugnance, for his heart was drawn elsewhere, and he desired to live a virgin life to his dear master Jesus. The marriage ceremony took place, and when the banquet was over, he retired to the bridal chamber, where he saw the fair young girl who had given him her hand lying asleep on the bed. She looked so pure and innocent in her slumber, that he gazed on her with reverence, and kneeling at her feet, prayed long and earnestly; and then stealing away, left the house, and fled the country. Taking his passage on a boat for Italy, he reached the eternal city, and going forth into the Campagna, found a place suitable for a cell, and there buried himself from the world.
[March 12.]
SS. Peter, Gorgonius, Dorotheus, Maxima, and Others, MM. at Nicomedia, A.D. 302. S. Paul of Leon, B.C. in Brittany, A.D. 573. S. Gregory the Great, Pope, D., A.D. 604. S. Peter, Deacon of S. Gregory, at Rome, A.D. 605. S. Muran, Ab. of Fathinis, in Ireland, circ. A.D. 650. S. Theophanes, Ab. C., at Constantinople, A.D. 820. S. Alphege the Bald, B. of Winchester, A.D. 951. See September 1. S. Bernard, B.C. at Capua, A.D. 1109. S. Fina, V. in Tuscany, A.D. 1253.
SS. PETER, GORGONIUS, DOROTHEUS, MAXIMA, AND OTHERS, MM.
(A.D. 302.)