September 14
Saint Peter of Tarentaise
“Runaway Archbishop”
(1102 – 1174)
“God loves us beyond comprehension, and we cannot diminish God’s Love for us.”
Saint Peter of Tarentaise
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or on the Book Cover Image above to buy it!
Click here for the Amazon page
or on the Book Cover Image above to Buy it!
Saint’s Life Story
His Early Life
Peter, also known as Pierre, was born in 1102 on a farm in Saint-Maurice-l’Exil, France not far Vienne, France and from the Cistercian Bonnevaux Abbey. His father often offered hospitality to the monks, when they had to leave the monastery on business.
Monk
At the age of 20, Peter entered the Benedictine Cistercians at Bonneveaux, France. With a deep desire for a life of devotion and service, Peter embraced the monastic life wholeheartedly. He lived with such modesty, charity, and humility that people were moved and changed when they spent time with him. Peter was such a great witness of the religious life that many others followed him and joined the abbey as well, including his father and two brothers, Lambert and Andrew, as well as his mother and sister who joined the Cistercian nuns at Saint Paul d’Izeaux.
First Abbot
In 1132, Peter, his abbot, John, and twelve other monks founded Tamié Abbey, a new Cistercian daughter house of Bonnevaux, in a defile in the desolate Bauges mountains, overlooking the pass which was the chief route from Geneva, Switzerland to Savoy, France. Once Abbot John was satisfied that the monks had adequate shelter, he returned to Bonnevaux. Peter’s dedication and spiritual maturity were quickly recognized within the community. As a result before Peter was 30, he was chosen to be the first abbot of new Tamie Abbey.
Reluctant Archbishop of Tarentaise
In 1142, Peter was appointed as the archbishop of Tarentaise in south-central France. He wanted to decline the post and remain where he was happiest, as a Cistercian monk, living a life of prayer and service. Reluctantly however, he accepted, because of the urging of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux and the other monks in his order, seeing their insistence as the will of God.
Reformed Clergy
As Archbishop, Peter found his new diocese to be in a terrible state with the clergy there known for corruption and immorality. Recognizing the state of the diocese, he embarked on a mission of Church reform. Peter worked steadfastly to root out corrupt clergy, supporting dedicated priests who were committed to their pastoral responsibilities. He recovered the tithes and other revenues of the church that had been usurped by certain powerful laymen. He also extended his care and compassion to the poor, ensuring their needs were met. Additionally, Peter became a strong advocate for the promotion of education and revitalization of faith among the members of his flock.
As archbishop, Peter altered nothing in the simplicity of a monastic life. His clothes were plain and his food course, Peter ate nothing but brown bread, herbs and beans, of which the poor always had their share. Peter instructed his whole flock with unwearied zeal and invincible patience.
Built Hospice
Peter visited all parts of his mountainous diocese on a regular basis. His specific concerns included the welfare of travelers to and from Switzerland and from the Italian cities. He rebuilt a hospice in poor repair at Little St. Bernard Pass. This hospice provided shelter and care for those journeying through the mountain region, demonstrating his commitment to the virtues of hospitality and service to others. Peter enjoyed humbly serving and conversing with the strangers who sought the hospitality of the monks on their journey along the old Roman road from Vienne, France to Milan, Italy.
“May Bread”
Peter also founded a charity which distributed free bread and soup to farmers in the surrounding hills in the summer months before the scanty mountain harvest was ready. This activity became a tradition that continued in the region until the anti-Catholic French Revolution.
Disappeared
For thirteen years as Archbishop, Peter reformed and reinvigorated the ailing archdiocese, with the aid of plenty of miracles that were attributed to him during this time. These miracles ranged from healings to the multiplication of food during a famine. He became widely known as a new Thaumaturgus (Wonder-worker).
Yet, he longed for the simple and pious life of a monk. So, in 1155 Peter disappeared from Tarentaise without a trace.
Returned to Archbishop
Eventually, Peter had joined a remote Cistercian abbey in Switzerland concealing himself under the guise of a novice lay brother. After about a year, when the Swiss monks discovered who “Brother Peter” was, they alerted the archdiocese. Peter enjoyed the humble and contemplative life of a monk that he missed as archbishop. Yet, Peter reluctantly agreed to return to his duties as a Bishop by his new superiors.
In his return to the immense joy of his people, Peter redoubled his efforts at leading the diocese. He took even greater care of the poor. Twice in freezing weather, he took of his own cloak and gave it to poor men, even though he could have frozen to death himself.
Peacemaker
Always a peacemaker. Archbishop Peter was able to reconcile several prominent enemies and thus prevent bloodshed. During the fractious rife between the anti-pope Victor and the true Pope, Alexander III, Peter was one of the only major voices in the Church openly supporting the claim of Pope Alexander, even against the emperor Frederick Barbarossa. Peter preached in Alsace, Lorraine, Burgundy, and parts of Italy in an attempt to establish the claims of the true pontiff.
Recognizing his courage, loyalty, and holiness, Pope Alexander III thought him to be the ideal peacemaker between King Louis VII of France and King Henry II of England.
His Death
On returning to Tarentaise from this mission of peace, Peter became ill near Besançon. In 1174, Peter died of an brief illness while being carried into the Bellevaux Abbey, near the present-day Cirey, Haute-Saône, France.
Born: 1102 in Saint-Maurice-l’Exil, France
Died: 1174 in the Bellevaux Abbey (near Cirey, Haute-Saône, France)
Beatified: Unknown
Canonized: 1191 by Pope Celestine III
Feast Day: September 14, May 8 (on some calendars)
Patron Saint: None
Reflection
Saint Peter of Tarentaise was a Cistercian monk whose humility and compassion led him from the quiet of the remote mountainside monastery into the heart of the world’s needs. Though he desired a life of silence and contemplation, God called him to become an archbishop—a role he accepted only from obedience. Once entrusted with the care of souls, he became a shepherd known for his gentleness, generosity, and love for the poor.
Peter did not see leadership as authority but as service. He used his position to feed the hungry, comfort the sorrowing, reconcile enemies, and defend the dignity of the forgotten. Even when tired or overwhelmed, he trusted that God’s grace would supply what he lacked. His ministry reflected the tenderness of Christ the Good Shepherd, who seeks not to be served but to serve.
Saint Peter of Tarentaise reminds us that holiness often asks us to step beyond what feels comfortable, offering our gifts—even our reluctant ones—to meet the needs of others.
When God asks me to serve in ways that stretch me, do I respond with the same humility and trust as Saint Peter—or do I cling to my comfort and avoid the deeper call?
Prayers
Saint Peter of Tarentaise,
You were called from the quiet of the cloister to shepherd Your people with mercy and peace.
Grant me a heart like yours – humble, attentive, and ready to serve wherever You lead.
When I feel unprepared or overwhelmed, teach me to rely on God’s strength rather than my own.
May I bring comfort to the suffering, unity where there is division, and hope to those who feel forgotten.
Saint Peter of Tarentaise, pray for us. Amen.
Saint Links
AnaStpaul – Saint of the Day – 14 September – Saint Peter of Tarentaise O.Cist (1102-1174)
Angelus – Saint of the day: Peter of Tarentaise
Catholic Online – St. Peter of Tarantaise
CatholicSaints.Info – Saint Peter of Tarentaise
Covenant Catholic – May 8 – The Feast of St. Peter of Tarentaise
Daily Prayers – Peter Tarentaise
Franciscan Media – Saint Peter of Tarentaise
Independent Catholic News – St Peter of Tarantaise
Regnum Christi (Uncle Eddy) – St Peter of Tarentaise
Rev Butler’s Lives Of The Saints Complete Edition – St Peter, Archbishop of Tarentaise
Saint Mary’s Press – Saint Peter of Tarentaise (1102-1175)
Saints Alive – St. Peter of Tarentalse
Salve Maria Regina – St. Peter of Tarentaise, Archbishop († 1174; Feast – May 8)
Santi e Beati – St. Peter II of Tarantasia, Bishop
The Saint Stories – St. Peter of Tarentaise
Video Link
Cradio Saint of the Day: Saint Peter of Tarentaise – YouTube Video (CatholicSaints.Info)