Saint Peter Regalatus

Biography

Saint Peter Regalatus, also known as Peter de Regalado, Peter Regalado, Peter Regalati, and Peter Regulatus, was born in 1390 in Valladolid, Spain, to a wealthy and pious noble family. Unfortunately, his father died when Peter was very young, leaving him to navigate the hardships of life without paternal guidance. From a tender age, Peter exhibited a strong inclination towards holiness and a deep desire to serve God. Remarkably, at the young age of ten, Peter sought to join the Franciscans. Recognizing his fervor and maturity beyond his years, the Franciscans accepted him into their community. At the age of thirteen, Peter began his education in a Franciscan convent in Valladolid, where he received a thorough formation in the Franciscan way of life. As Peter matured in his religious vocation, he became a disciple of Peter de Villacreces in 1404 and was ordained as a Franciscan priest. Peter's dedication to God and his commitment to the ideals of the Franciscan Order were soon recognized, and he was appointed as the superior of the convent at Aguilera in 1415. During his time as a superior, Peter became known for his remarkable reforms, which primarily centered around leading by example and living a life of piety and virtue. In 1422, Peter was once again entrusted with the role of superior, this time at the convent at Tribulos. As a superior, Peter continued to inspire his fellow Franciscans through his exemplary way of life and his tireless efforts to promote holiness within the order. His primary method of reform was to encourage and emphasize personal piety, using his own life as a model. Peter would observe nine personal Lenten periods throughout the year, voluntarily subjecting himself to rigorous spiritual disciplines and penances. Beyond his dedication to personal holiness, Saint Peter Regalatus was blessed with extraordinary spiritual gifts. He had the ability to be present in multiple places at once, a gift known as bi-location. Additionally, he possessed the gift of prophecy, enabling him to perceive divine revelations and offer spiritual guidance to others. Furthermore, his exceptional faith and devotion granted him the power to perform remarkable miracles. Saint Peter Regalatus lived a life devoted to the Franciscan ideals, embodying poverty, humility, and simplicity. His unwavering commitment to holiness and his tireless efforts to reform the religious communities he served earned him the admiration and respect of his fellow Franciscans. Even after his passing on 30 March 1456, at Aguilera, Spain, Peter's legacy continued to inspire countless others. After his death, the incorruptibility of his body became evident when it was exhumed in 1782, confirming his sanctity. Following this miraculous discovery, Saint Peter Regalatus was beatified on 11 March 1684 by Blessed Pope Innocent XI and later canonized on 29 June 1746 by Pope Benedict XIV. Today, Saint Peter Regalatus is venerated as a patron saint of Valladolid, Spain, the place of his birth. He is often depicted as a Franciscan with flames bursting from his heart, representing his burning love for God and his fervor for the Franciscan way of life. His feast days are celebrated on 30 March and 13 May on some calendars, commemorating his death and the translation of his remains, respectively. Saint Peter Regalatus serves as an inspiration to all who seek to live a life of holiness, simplicity, and devotion to God.