December 9
Peter Fourier (1565–1640)
Augustinian priest
He is the saint of eastern France, a troubled territory agitated by the Reformation and political ambitions.
Biography
At the age of twenty he became an Augustinian canon and was ordained a priest. He then completed brilliant theological studies, but instead of trying to shine and have a good ecclesiastical career, he chose an obscure and difficult parish in the Vosges, in the village of Mattaincourt. His sermons, his charity and his example brought about a rapid transformation there: he evangelized his parishioners, founded mutual aid funds, organized free schools for boys and girls and brought peace to the bellicose locals. For his loyalty to his Duke of Lorraine, Saint Peter died in exile in Franche-Comté during the Thirty Years' War.
Practical advice
During this day, charitably correct a fault that should not be ignored with peace, perseverance and good humor.