Blessed Peter Cambiano

Biography

Blessed Peter Cambiano, also known as Peter de Ruffi, Peter of Ruffia, Peter Cambiani, or Peter Cambiano av Ruffi, was born in 1320 in Chieri, Piedmont, Italy. He grew up in a pious household, with his father being a city councillor and his mother hailing from a noble family. From a young age, Peter was drawn to religious life and developed a personal devotion to Our Lady of the Rosary.

Recognizing his calling, Peter joined the Order of Preachers, commonly known as the Dominicans, in Piedmont when he was only 16 years old. He received a comprehensive education and excelled in his studies. After years of dedicated preparation, Peter was ordained as a priest at the age of 25.

Peter quickly gained recognition as a skilled and compelling preacher throughout northern Italy. His charismatic and persuasive oratory drew many back to the Catholic faith, earning him a reputation as an effective evangelist. One of his notable endeavors was his work to bring the Waldensians, a group of heretics, back to the Church.

In recognition of his abilities and dedication, Peter was appointed as the inquisitor-general of the Piedmont region. This position allowed him to actively combat heresy and uphold the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Tragically, on 2 February 1365, Peter's life was cut short. While on a preaching mission through the mountains between Italy and Switzerland, Peter, accompanied by two Dominican brothers, based themselves at the Franciscan friary in Susa, Italy. His sermons and success at converging many people back to Catholicism stirred the anger of the Waldensian heretics.

Three of these heretics, disguising their intentions, approached the friary asking to see Peter. However, they had deceitful motives, and upon meeting him at the friary's gate, they mercilessly attacked and stabbed him to death with daggers. This act of violence against a man dedicated to his faith resulted in Peter's martyrdom.

Peter Cambiano's sacrificial death is celebrated on his feast days, which are 2 February and 7 November (Dominicans). He is often depicted in artwork as a Dominican friar, holding one or more daggers representing his martyrdom, or with a palm of martyrdom symbolizing his sacrifice for the faith.

Originally buried at the Franciscan house in Susa, his body was deemed difficult to transport through the hostile territory controlled by the heretical Waldensians. In 1517, his relics were moved to the Dominican house in Turin, Italy, following the destruction of the Franciscan friary by an invading army.

Blessed Peter Cambiano was officially recognized for his holiness and martyrdom when he was beatified on 4 December 1856 by Pope Pius IX, receiving the confirmation of his cultus. While specific information about his veneration is unavailable, his legacy as a faithful Dominican martyr and devoted preacher endures.