The feast day of St. Peter Orseolo is celebrated on January 10.
St. Peter Orseolo married at the age of 18. He had one son. At the age of 20 he became the Commander of the Venetian Fleet and led them against Dalmatian pirates. After the revolution, he became a Doge (chief magistrate) in 976. He worked on restoring the city and began to rebuild the Church of San Marco. He also tried to help the widows and orphans and built hospitals. After two years of service as a Doge he joined the Benedictine Monastery in Southern France living the life of a hermit in the forest surrounding the monastery.
In 976, he decided to live a life of complete solitude, having contact only with God.
St. Peter Orseolo died in 987. His tomb became a site popular with pilgrims.
“Before all, and above all, attention shall be paid to the care of the sick, so that they shall be served as if they were Christ Himself.”
Quote of St. Benedict of Nursia
January is the Month of the Holy Name