SAINT PETER OF ALEXANDRIA, BISHOP, MARTYR
FEAST DAY: NOVEMBER 26TH
SAINT PETER governed the Church of Alexandria during the persecution of
Diocletian. The sentence of excommunication that he was the first to pronounce
against the schismatics, Melitius and Arius, and which, despite the united
efforts of powerful partisans, he strenuously upheld, proves that he possessed
as much sagacity as zeal and firmness. But his most constant care was employed
in guarding his flock from the dangers arising out of persecution. He never
ceased repeating to them that, in order not to fear death, it was needful to
begin by dying to self, renouncing our will, and detaching ourselves from all
things. St. Peter gave an example of such detachment by undergoing martyrdom in
the year 311.
REFLECTION.-"How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of
God!" says our Saviour; because they are bound to earth by the strong ties of
their riches.