ST PETER OF VERONA, MARTYR – MEMORIAL: APRIL 6
Born at Verona of parents who believed in Manichaeism, Peter fought against it almost from infancy, and the allurements offered him by his father and uncle could not move the firmness of his faith.
As a young man, he went to Bologna to study and there entered the Dominican Order. He was notable for his great virtue, especially for purity, never having committed a mortal sin, and had a wonderful zeal for penance and contemplation.
His prayers were answered
He worked for the salvation of souls, and was so kindled with ardour for the faith that he earnestly begged God for the favour of dying for it. He received an answer to his prayer.
While travelling between Como and Milan on his duties for the Inquisition, he was wounded in the head by the sword of an evil assassin. He pronounced with his last breath the profession of faith which he had defended from his childhood with manly courage. He died a martyr in 1252. In the following year Innocent IV enrolled him in the list of holy martyrs.
St Peter of Verona, pray for us.
– From: An Approved English Translation of the Breviarium Romanum, Burns & Oates, London, 1964