September 17
Pedro de Arbués (1441–1485)
Martyr
He was born in the province of Aragon, in Spain, and as he had very special intellectual qualities, his parents sent him to study at the University of Bologna, where he impressed his superiors and classmates with the kindness of his treatment and his exceptional performance in his studies.
Biography
He received his doctorate in civil and ecclesiastical law and was named canon of the Cathedral of Zaragoza where he was in charge of defending the Catholic religion against heretics. They tried to bribe him by offering him large amounts of money, and when they failed, they decided to kill him. Several times he was saved from criminal attacks until his enemies decided to attack the saint when he went to the cathedral to pray, and there, praying devoutly, he was murdered. His last words were "I die for Jesus Christ. Praise his name." The people, who knew the great virtues of the saint, reacted violently, and if it had not been for the Archbishop who intervened, they would have lynched the murderers. A large crowd accompanied the martyr at his funeral and later at his tomb many favors were obtained from God, through the intercession of this saint.
Practical advice
By collecting the heart in silence, conquer human respect with a clean and brave word with peace, perseverance and good humor.