Hello, and welcome to St. Stories for Kids! A weekly podcast full of fun stories and facts

about the holy men and women that have come before us. I'm your host, Shandhal Baros.

St. Stories for Kids is brought to you by Shining Light Dolls. Discover award-winning

Catholic Dolls' books, Toys, and More, passing on the faith through proven play-based

learning. Catholic Mom Design, Catholic Hit Approved. Visit www.shininglightdolls.com to

learn more, and check out our new free printable saints and symbols alphabet cards. Today we'll

be telling the story of St. Peter Damian, whose feast is celebrated on February 21st. Peter

was born around 988 in Northern Italy. He was the youngest child and had many brothers

and sisters. But sadly, when he was still young, his parents passed away, and Peter was

taken in by his eldest brother. His brother treated him very badly, and Peter suffered a

great deal. Then, at around the age of 12, he was taken in by another brother, who treated

him completely differently, with love, attention, and a great education. It was the second brother

who influenced Peter to study theology and become a teacher. After a successful career,

Peter felt called to the religious life. He entered the hermitage of Fonte Avalana and

became a Benedictine monk. In 1043, he became the prior, a position he held for the rest

of his life. St. Peter Damian is remembered as a great reformer, who wrote extensively,

sending many, many letters on the controversies that challenged the church during his time. He

worked with and counseled several popes as well. Peter was made a cardinal by Pope Steve

in the 9th in 1057, and after his death was named a doctor of the church. Now it's time

for our story. Snow floated down from the sky, coating the cobblestone streets of

Ravana and the light dusting of white. Little Peter walked along the street, making his

way home to his brother's house. He shuffled along his fingers and toes numb from cold.

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