Saint Peter The Exorcist

Biography

Saint Peter the Exorcist, also known as Peter Exorcista or Peter the Deacon, was a renowned and dedicated exorcist in Rome, Italy. Born in Rome as a Roman citizen, Peter devoted his life to serving God and helping those afflicted by evil spirits. Peter gained recognition for his exceptional piety and unwavering commitment to his work as an exorcist. He possessed a deep understanding of spiritual warfare and the power of prayer. Through his efforts, Peter was able to convert numerous individuals to Christianity, including Saint Artemius of Rome, Saint Candida of Rome, and Saint Paulina of Rome. One of the most notable aspects of Peter's life was his close association with Saint Marcellinus, another devout Christian and fellow exorcist. The two worked together to combat the forces of darkness and provide spiritual support to those in need. Unfortunately, their dedication to the faith led to their martyrdom during the persecutions initiated by Emperor Diocletian. Peter and Marcellinus bravely faced persecution, imprisonment, and eventually were put to death for their beliefs. They passed away in the year 304 in the Silva Nigra, a forest just outside Rome. Following their martyrdom, they were buried in the Saints Marcellinus and Peter cemetery on the Lavican Road, near Lucilla and Firmina. Emperor Constantine, recognizing the religious significance of their sacrifice, ordered the construction of a basilica over their tomb. This basilica became a place of pilgrimage for Christians seeking solace and spiritual guidance. Later, during the reign of Charlemagne, the relics of Saints Marcellinus and Peter were moved to Seligenstadt Abbey in Germany under the care of Einhard, Charlemagne's secretary. Although the journey of their relics has been eventful, with the skull of Saint Peter enshrined in a reliquary at the Abbey of Saint Denis in 1665, unfortunately, the reliquary was later melted, and the relics were destroyed during the French Revolution in 1794. Saint Peter the Exorcist was canonized as a saint, although his canonization occurred before the formal establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. As a result, he is considered a pre-congregation saint. Saint Peter is revered as a patron saint in Germany, particularly in Seligenstadt, Lausdomini, Monteodorisio, and San Marcellino. His dedication to combating evil spirits and his unwavering faith make Saint Peter the Exorcist an inspiring figure for believers seeking spiritual protection and guidance. His legacy lives on through the stories of those he converted and the devotion of those who look to him as a powerful intercessor in their spiritual battles.