Saint Peter Crisci of Foligno

Biography

Saint Peter Crisci of Foligno, also known as Pietrillo, was born in the year 1243 in Foligno, Umbria, Italy. As a young man, Peter led a reckless and sinful life, indulging in worldly pleasures. However, this all changed when tragedy struck his life. Around the age of thirty, both of Peter's parents passed away, leaving him to contemplate the brevity of life and the emptiness of his pursuits. Deeply affected by the deaths of his parents, Peter experienced a profound conversion. He realized the futility of his previous lifestyle and decided to make a drastic change. Inspired by his newfound spiritual awakening, he sold all his possessions, including his inheritance, and gave the proceeds to the poor. Peter even went as far as selling himself into slavery, intending to use the additional funds to help those in need. However, Peter's act of self-imposed slavery took an unexpected turn when his "owner" decided to free him. Embracing the opportunity, Peter chose instead to live as a penitent beggar, dedicating himself to a life of asceticism and devotion. He became an urban hermit, finding solace in the care and cleanliness of the cathedral in Foligno. Dressed in sackcloth and rags, Peter made the cathedral's bell tower his home, sleeping on its steps and enduring the elements in an act of self-mortification. He lived a life of poverty, relying on the generosity of others for his sustenance. Despite his austere existence, Peter's dedication to his spiritual journey remained unwavering. During this time, Peter developed a deep fascination with the spirituality of Blessed Angela of Foligno and Saint Chiara of Montefalco. Their teachings and examples further fueled his passion for a life of penance and devotion to God. Peter embarked on several barefoot pilgrimages to Rome and Assisi, cities known for their significant Christian heritage. These pilgrimages were acts of devotion and acts of penance, as Peter sought to humble himself before God. Not surprisingly, Peter's distinctive penitential practices and eccentric lifestyle attracted significant attention from the faithful. His habit of praying while fervently staring at the sun became a particular cause of concern for the Inquisition. However, after investigating his beliefs and practices, they determined that Peter's faith was orthodox, albeit extreme in his living out of penance. Saint Peter Crisci of Foligno is often counted among the "mad saints," "holy idiots," or "fools for Christ" – individuals who, through their apparent folly, aimed to challenge worldly conventions and demonstrate their radical devotion to God. Peter died on 19 July 1323 while in the cathedral of Foligno, the very place he devoted his life to serving. He passed away peacefully from natural causes. He was laid to rest in the cathedral of San Feliciano in Foligno, and his tomb became a site of veneration for local believers. Due to the widespread devotion to Peter that developed soon after his death, a fair dedicated to him began to grow in popularity by the late 14th century, held annually on 19 July. Recognizing the significance of this devotion, Pope Boniface IX granted indulgences to those who visited the cathedral of San Feliciano between 19 and 22 July. To honor Peter's memory, a chapel was built in his honor within the cathedral in 1385. The chapel underwent restoration, and his relics were enshrined in a wooden reliquary in 1870. Though he is not officially recognized as a patron saint, Saint Peter Crisci of Foligno continues to inspire individuals in their pursuit of radical devotion and their recognition of the emptiness of worldly pursuits. His life stands as a testament to the transformative power of conversion and the boundless mercy of God.