Pietro di Murrone was born in 1215 to a poor household in the Neapolitan province of Moline. At seventeen years, he entered the Benedictine order. He later received ordination to the priesthood in Rome. His love of seclusion eventually took him to the Abruzzian wilderness of Monte Morone and then to the more remote parts of Mt. Majella. John the Baptist's life had a big impact on him, and he used him as an example for his religious life. He wore a chain of iron around his emaciated frame, his hair-cloth was roughened with knots, and he fasted every day but Sunday. Every year he observed four weeks of Lent, spending three of them on bread and water only, and devoted most of the day and night to prayer and work.

It was not in Peter's destiny to fulfill his profound desire for solitude. He was surrounded by numerous hermits who were excited to adopt his way of life, which inspired him to establish a new Order. In 1264, the order that sprung up around him was recognized as a branch of the Benedictines by Urban IV.

Weary with the responsibilities of administration, Pietro nominated a different person as his vicar in 1284 and ventured back into the wilderness.

His religious exercises were abruptly cut short in July 1294 by a scene unmatched in church history. At the age of 84, Peter was appointed Pope. It happened in a peculiar way. Due to the Cardinals' inability to agree on a candidate, there had been no Pope for two years. St. Peter warned them to make a decision right away since God was not amused by the protracted delay. The pious old hermit was selected right then and there as the new Pope. With tears in his eyes, Pietro accepted the announcement of his advancement, but after saying a quick prayer, he heeded what seemed to be God's plain voice telling him to put his own interests aside for the good of the community. Afterwards, he adopted the name Celestine V.

He only served as Pope for almost five months. Since he was so unassuming and straightforward, everyone exploited him. There was soon a lot of misunderstanding because he was unable to say "no" to anyone. The Saint eventually concluded that he should step down as Pope. After doing so, he apologized to the Cardinals for not being able to run the Church and threw himself at their feet.

St. Celestine wished to live in peace in one of his monasteries. However, the new Pope believed that keeping him out of the reach of evildoers would be safer. Hence, the saint was put in a cell. He completed his incredible career here in his ninety-first year, after nine months of fasting and prayer.

St. Celestine was canonized by Clement V in 1313. A few years later, his remains were moved from Ferentino to the church of his order in Aquila, where they continue to be highly revered. On May 19, people commemorate his feast day.

Celestine is a saint who will be revered forever for his extraordinary election as Pope, his egregious incapacity in that role, and his record of being the first Pope to ever resign.

Other Saints of the Day
Saint Dunstan
Saint Hadulph
Saint Maria Bernarda Butler
Saint Calocerus & Parthenius
Saint Theophilus of Corte