Peter was born in Alcantara, Spain, to Peter Garavita and Maria Villela de Sanabria. He became a Franciscan in 1515 in Manjarez, and was ordained a priest in 1524. A man of great penance and prayer, he was the first spiritual guide to St. Theresa of Avila in her reform of Carmel. Elected Provincial in 1538, he headed a Franciscans reform later known as the “Alcantarines.” One of his best known writings is the “Treatise on Prayer and Meditation.” Peter died at Arenas on 18th October, 1562, and was canonised in 1669 by Clement IX. He was declared Patron of Brazil in 1862, and joint Patron of Estremadura in 1962.
First Reading: Phil. 3: 8-14; Gospel: Luke 12: 22-31
