Around the middle of the thirteenth century, Peter Cresci was born in or close to Foligno. He was the son of an affluent trader. In his youth, he was much more drawn to material pleasures. While his parents made an effort to raise him as a good Christian, they indulged excessively, which caused him to have a spendthrift nature. Having an abundance of money in his pockets made it easy for him to attract and associate with undesirable companions, with whom he indulged in a wild and reckless lifestyle.

At the age of thirty, a significant change occurred in his life. Tragically, his parents passed away during that period, leaving a profound impact on him. This personal loss, coupled with the grace of God, led him to a profound realization about the futility of worldly possessions and pleasures. Motivated by this newfound understanding, he made a radical decision to renounce his rich inheritance, selling it off, and distributing all of his money among the poor.

From that point onward, he chose to sustain himself through manual labor, embracing a simple and humble existence. His commitment to helping those in need remained unwavering, as he continued to donate the majority of his earnings to those less fortunate. To live frugally, he subsisted on meager meals, often surviving on only dry bread and water for extended periods.

Without a place to call his own, Peter Cresci found solace in the belfry of the Church of San Feliciano, where he would sleep on the bare floor. The absence of material possessions did not diminish his spirit, as he embraced a life of simplicity and devoted himself to spiritual pursuits.

After his transformative experience, Peter Cresci decided to join the Third Order of St. Francis. As a member of the order, he adopted a lifestyle of simplicity and austerity, dressing in rough sackcloth garments. Seeking a more secluded existence, he chose to live as a hermit in a small cell located in the campanile of the Cathedral, which is now known as the Cell of St. Peter Cresci. Throughout his life, Peter embarked on pilgrimages to significant religious sites, including Rome and Assisi. Among the cherished locations Peter visited, the Portiuncula Chapel of Our Lady of the Angels held a special place in his heart.

Peter's transformation and the radical changes he made in his life were seen as a source of inspiration and edification for many people. However, his former companions, who had benefited from his generosity in the past, resented his departure from their company and the loss of financial support he had provided them. In their anger, they accused him of heresy and orchestrated his appearance before an ecclesiastical court.

However, as the proceedings unfolded, it became evident that Peter was entirely innocent of the accusations leveled against him. His conduct and way of life were found to be praiseworthy and deserving of the highest regard. In a display of divine favor, God manifested His pleasure with Peter's extraordinary sanctity through miracles that occurred in connection with his life.

Peter's earthly journey came to an end on July 19, 1323, when he passed away peacefully in his cell. His death was attributed to natural causes. In recognition of his unique spiritual disposition and the radical choices he made for the sake of his faith, Peter is sometimes referred to as a "Fool for Christ."

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