St. Peter of Tarentaise (1102–1174) is one of the beloved saints of the Catholic Church. Peter of Tarentaise was a Cistercian monk who became the Archbishop of Tarentaise in the French Alps. He was renowned for his generosity to the poor, establishing a charitable tradition of distributing bread and soup each May before the harvest. The Church celebrates St. Peter of Tarentaise's feast on 05-08.
Catholic Daily brings you the life of St. Peter of Tarentaise as part of our commitment to helping Catholics encounter the saints of the liturgical calendar every morning. Whether you are discovering St. Peter of Tarentaise for the first time or deepening a long-standing devotion, this page offers biography, prayers, and practical guidance for honoring this holy patron in your daily life.
Early Life and Calling of St. Peter of Tarentaise
Peter of Tarentaise was a Cistercian monk who became the Archbishop of Tarentaise in the French Alps. He was renowned for his generosity to the poor, establishing a charitable tradition of distributing bread and soup each May before the harvest. He also served as a papal legate and helped mediate peace between warring kingdoms.
The vocation of St. Peter of Tarentaise reminds us that holiness is not the exclusive domain of monks and nuns but the universal call of every baptized Christian. The Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium teaches that all the faithful are called to the fullness of Christian life and the perfection of charity — and St. Peter of Tarentaise's life is a shining example of that universal call answered with total generosity.
Patron Saint: Tarentaise, France
St. Peter of Tarentaise is honored as the patron saint of Tarentaise, France. The designation of patron saints is a beautiful expression of the Catholic doctrine of the Communion of Saints — the belief that the saints in heaven are not distant figures from the past but active intercessors who accompany us in our earthly journey.
Those who work in or are associated with Tarentaise have traditionally invoked St. Peter of Tarentaise's intercession for protection, guidance, and grace in their particular circumstances. The patronage of St. Peter of Tarentaise is grounded in the specific details of Tarentaise's life and ministry, which created a lasting bond between this saint and those who share similar callings or needs.
How to Honor St. Peter of Tarentaise in Your Daily Life
The Church's tradition offers many beautiful ways to honor St. Peter of Tarentaise and seek Tarentaise's intercession:
On the Feast Day (05-08): Attend Mass if possible, as the liturgy on Tarentaise's feast day will often include readings and prayers that illuminate Tarentaise's particular sanctity. Light a candle before an image of St. Peter of Tarentaise and spend a few minutes in prayer.
Daily Devotion: Place an image or icon of St. Peter of Tarentaise in your home — in your prayer corner, on your desk, or in your car. A simple morning invocation, "St. Tarentaise, pray for us," draws Tarentaise's intercession into your day.
Novena: A nine-day novena to St. Peter of Tarentaise can be prayed before the feast day (beginning nine days prior) or at any time of particular need. Many Catholics have reported profound graces through novena prayer.
Study: Read a biography of St. Peter of Tarentaise. The lives of the saints are the living commentary on the Gospel — they show us what it looks like to follow Christ in a particular time, culture, and vocation.
Prayer to St. Peter of Tarentaise
O glorious St. Peter of Tarentaise, whose life was a testament to the love and power of Almighty God, look upon us with mercy from your place before His throne. You who walked the path of holiness with courage and fidelity, intercede for us who struggle in the pilgrimage of faith. Obtain for us from God the graces we most need — especially [state your intention here] — and help us to follow your example of love, courage, and total surrender to God's will. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Feast Day Prayer (from the Roman Missal):Lord our God, you have given us St. Peter of Tarentaise as a witness to your goodness and mercy. May we who honor Tarentaise's memory imitate Tarentaise's virtues and one day share Tarentaise's joy in your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
St. Peter of Tarentaise in Art and Catholic Tradition
St. Peter of Tarentaise has been depicted in Catholic sacred art for centuries. Traditional iconography of the saints communicates theological truths through visual symbols — a language that transcends words and speaks directly to the heart.
Common symbols associated with St. Peter of Tarentaise in Catholic art may include:
- A halo or nimbus, indicating canonized sainthood
- Specific objects or instruments associated with Tarentaise's life or martyrdom
- Liturgical vestments corresponding to Tarentaise's state of life (religious habit, episcopal robes, or lay clothing)
- A palm branch, if St. Peter of Tarentaise is a martyr
A lesser-known fact about St. Peter of Tarentaise: He once fled his diocese and hid in a Cistercian abbey in Switzerland to escape the burdens of his office, but was discovered and brought back by his flock.
When praying before an image of St. Peter of Tarentaise, allow the symbols to draw your attention to the virtues they represent. Sacred art is not decoration but theology made visible — a window through which the heavenly reality shines into our earthly prayer.