St. Peter Damian, February 21
A Camaldolese monk, Peter Damian (1007-1072) became cardinal-bishop of Ostia and a leader of the eleventh-century reform of the Church. He wrote fiercely against simony and clerical corruption, yet longed for the quiet of his hermitage. He is a Doctor of the Church.
On the General Roman Calendar, February 21 is an optional memorial: Saint Peter Damian, bishop and doctor.
Name days on February 21
In countries that keep name days, February 21 is the day for people named Damian.
| Name | Feast day |
|---|---|
| Damian | February 21 |
February 21 on the calendar
February 21 is the 52nd day of the year, with 313 days left until December 31. Here is the day of the week it falls on in the coming years:
| Year | Day |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Saturday |
| 2027 | Sunday |
| 2028 | Monday |
| 2029 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | Thursday |
Keeping February 21
February 21 falls in winter. As an optional memorial, each parish or priest may choose whether to celebrate it. Families who keep name days often mark the day with a card, a candle or a favorite meal, and parishes named after the saint may hold a festival. If you know someone named Damian, it is a good day to send a note.
Saints of the week around February 21
| Date | Saint or feast |
|---|---|
| February 18 | Bl. Fra Angelico |
| February 19 | St. Conrad of Piacenza |
| February 20 | Sts. Francisco and Jacinta Marto |
| February 22 | Chair of St. Peter |
| February 23 | St. Polycarp |
| February 24 | St. Ethelbert of Kent |
The day before, February 20, is the day of Sts. Francisco and Jacinta Marto. The day after, February 22, belongs to Chair of St. Peter. Looking for a name? Try the name day calendar or go back to today’s saint.