March 30: Saint Peter de Regalado

On March 30, we remember Saint Peter de Regalado (Regalatus, 1390-1456), a Franciscan friar, ecstatic, miracle worker, and pious man of God. Peter was born in Valladolid, Spain, the son of a wealthy, noble, and virtuous family. From an early age, following the death of his father, Peter was educated in the ways of God by his mother, a devout Catholic. At the age of ten, Peter sought entrance into the local Franciscan Order, which he attained three years later at the age of 13.


Peter quickly established himself as a pious man of God, obedient, and charitable. He embraced the reformation of the Order, himself becoming one of the strongest proponents for an increase in poverty. Despite preferring to spend his days in quiet contemplation, fasting, and prayer, Peter was soon appointed Superior at the convent of Aguillar, and eventually over all the Spanish convents of the Franciscan Order. Through his example, the friars lived lives of asceticism and charity, praying and growing closer to the Lord.

Saint Peter de Regalado was a man of many talents. His charity knew no bounds, and miracles were said to have resulted from this. While he himself went hungry as penance every day, eating only a bit of bread and water, the convents never ran out of food for the needy. Peter observed Lent year round, fasting and abstaining, and encouraged his brothers to do the same. He was graced with the gifts of prophesy, bilocation (meaning he appeared simultaneously in more than one place!), ecstatic visions, and miracles.

Years after his death, the body of Saint Peter was exhumed, and found to be incorrupt. Numerous miracles have been reported at this tomb. Saint Peter de Regalado was a man of rules. He strictly observed the rules of the Franciscan Order, in many cases reforming them to increase the ascetic life through his pious example. Yet, beyond these rules, Peter maintained an ever-growing love and charity for the poor. His penance was for himself, and for those in need, and he graciously gave of himself to all who needed help. Saint Peter de Regalado reminds us that being Christian is more than “following the rules.” It also means turning away from oneself, gazing into the eyes of others, and there, finding God.

Jesus,

You are the Word-- to be spoken;
The Truth-- to be told;
The Way-- to be walked;
The Light-- to be shone;
The Joy-- to be shared;
The Bread of Life-- to be given;
The Hungry-- to be fed;
The Naked-- to be clothed;
The Homeless-- to be taken in;
The Sick-- to be healed;
The Lonely-- to be loved;
The Unwanted-- to be wanted;
The Little One-- to be embraced.


Lord Jesus, you are with the poor and needy around us.
Help us to be your hands, feet, and voice to them. Amen.



Day 89 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Those who are poor and suffering.
Requested Intentions: For Healing (A); The blessing of children (S); Safety of travelers (J); Improved family relationship with the Lord, using gifts for His glory (L); For a restorative, faith-deepening Lent for all those who are struggling (L).