Pedro Garavito was born in Alcántara, Spain, in 1499 and, at the age of sixteen, entered the Franciscan Order. There he led a life of strict penance, particularly with regard to food and sleep, to a degree that is difficult for us to imagine today. This is why we tend to admire the saints for their asceticism rather than imitate it. While this is understandable, it can also have negative long-term effects. In fact, asceticism has almost completely disappeared from the life of the Church, so that, in general, fasting barely exists anymore. We risk losing the ability to imagine restraining ourselves from bodily comforts for love of the Lord.
Showing all posts dated October 19, 2025
“LIKE THE FISH”
“Do as the fish does: when you feel a storm coming, immediately immerse yourself in contemplation and take refuge in the arms of Christ; thus you will be safe from all the temptations of the world and the dark powers” (St. Peter of Alcantara).