Born at Alcantara, of noble parents, Peter distributed his fortune in alms and at the age of 16 entered into the Order of St. Francis. A rigid observer of the primitive Franciscan rule, he had a great devotion to the Passion and an extraordinary love of penance.He died in 1562 and appearing to St. Teresa, he said: "O blessed penance which has earned for me such great glory."
Justus ut palma florebit: sucut cedrus Libani multiplicabitur: plantatus in domo Domini: in atriis domus Dei nostri. * Bonum est confiteri Domino: et psallere nomini tuo, Altissime.
The just shall flourish like the palm-tree: he shall grow up like the cedar of Libanus: planted in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God.
(Psalm 91:13-14,2 from the Introit of Mass)
Deus, qui beátum Petrum Confessórem tuum ad mirábilis poeniténtiae et altíssimae contemplatiónis múnere illustráre dignátus es: da nobis, quaesumus; ut, ejus suffragántibus méritis, carne mortificáti, facílius coeléstia capiámus.
O God, who wast pleased to ennoble blessed Peter, imbuing him with a marvellous spirit of penance, and bestowing upon him the gift of the highest contemplation: for the sake of his merits, grant unto us that, by mortifying the flesh, we may more easily apprehend the things of heaven.
(Collect)
Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of all good gifts, we come before Thee to honour Thee in Thy servant, Peter of Alcantara, and to ask his help in our many needs. Thou didst promise that those who ask would receive, those who seek would find, and thoe who knock would have doors opened to them. Hear the prayers of Thy church and grant the requests we make as we trust in Thy love for us. Amen.
Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11770c.htm
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