Saint Peter of Alcantara

Biography

Saint Peter of Alcantara, also known as Pedro Garavita or Saint Peter of Alcantara, was born in 1499 in Alcantara, Estremadura, Spain. His father, Peter Garavita, served as the governor of the palace, and his mother belonged to the noble Sanabia family. From a young age, Peter showed great promise and was sent to study grammar and philosophy at Alcantara. He later pursued his education in civil and canon law at Salamanca University. At the age of 16, Peter joined the Franciscan Order in Manjarez. Displaying a deep devotion to his faith, he founded the friary at Babajoz when he was only 20 years old and served as its superior. In 1524, at the age of 25, Saint Peter of Alcantara was ordained as a priest. He quickly gained recognition for his exceptional skills as a preacher and became known for his charismatic and compelling sermons. Despite his natural inclination towards seclusion and solitude, Saint Peter of Alcantara recognized the need to engage in missionary work. To find a balance between his desire for solitude and the call to spread the Gospel, he chose to live at the convent of Saint Onophrius, a remote location that allowed him to study and pray between missions. It was during this time that he began to develop his deep mystical spirituality and establish a reputation as a mystic. In 1538, Saint Peter was appointed as the Franciscan provincial for Saint Gabriel in Estremadura, Spain. He dedicated himself to promoting the reform of the Franciscan Order. In 1541, he traveled to Lisbon, Portugal, to assist in the Order's reformation efforts. During his time in Lisbon, his wisdom and guidance greatly influenced the direction of the Order. In 1555, Saint Peter of Alcantara embarked on a journey to establish a stricter observance within the Franciscan Order known as the Alcantarine reforms. These reforms emphasized a return to the original ideals and practices of Saint Francis of Assisi, focusing on poverty, humility, and prayer. Saint Peter's commitment to these reforms had a profound impact on the Franciscan community and inspired many to embrace a more austere and contemplative way of life. Recognized for his leadership and spiritual insights, Saint Peter of Alcantara was appointed as a commissioner of his Order in Spain in 1556. His exemplary life and dedication to holiness led to his appointment as the provincial of the reformed Order in 1561. Throughout his life, Saint Peter of Alcantara developed a close friendship with Saint Teresa of Avila, the renowned Spanish mystic and reformer. He served as her confessor and provided invaluable support during her efforts to reform her own Order. Additionally, Saint Peter's mystical writings had a significant influence on Saint Francis de Sales. On October 18, 1562, Saint Peter of Alcantara peacefully passed away in Estremadura, Spain, at the age of 63. He died of natural causes, leaving behind a profound spiritual legacy and inspiring others to pursue a life of holiness and devotion. Saint Peter of Alcantara was beatified on April 18, 1622, by Pope Gregory XV. More than four decades later, on April 28, 1669, Pope Clement IX canonized him, officially recognizing his exemplary life and sanctity. Today, Saint Peter of Alcantara is venerated as a patron saint of Brazil (named by Pope Blessed Pius IX in 1862), Estremadura Spain (named in 1962), night watchmen, and watchmen. His feast day is celebrated on October 18th, commemorating his life and extraordinary contributions to the Franciscan Order and the Church as a whole.