February 21 — St Pierre Damien was born in Ravenne in 1007, he is the youngest of numerous siblings and from a modest family.

At the age of 28, Pierre Damien entered in the Camaldolese hermit monks, a branch of the Benedictines. Shortly afterwards he was appointed superior of the Generalate in Fonte Avellana. A calm and serious person, he also excelled in the art of poetry and his works were numerous. Because of his character, the Pope appointed him Cardinal-Bishop of Ostia. For six years Pierre Damien held the office of the legate, travelling between Italy, France and Germany for relations with Emperor Henry IV.

Even during his continuous travels, he didn't stop writing. In addition to the theological treatises, he fearlessly criticized in his writings the greed and impropriety of many priests. The most famous and controversial of his writings was the "Book of Gomore" which he published in 1049. Many of his verses and correspondences are preserved. On February 22, 1072, Pierre Damien died in Faenza, having accomplished his mission. His whole life and his works are living testimonies of the Gospel.