The Saints: St. Peter of Verona

1205-1252 / Feast - April 6

Despite being the son of Cathars, members of a heretical sect, Peter was schooled in orthodox Catholicism. He joined the new Dominicans, becoming a famous preacher and healer in Lombardy and weathering false accusations regarding chastity. He was prior of several Dominican houses and served the pope as inquisitor in northern Italy. His zealous preaching against the Cathars made him a marked man: He and a companion were ambushed and killed. The first Dominican martyr, Peter was canonized a year after his death.