Peter de Regalado was a 15th-century Spanish Franciscan priest and a prominent itinerant preacher. Born in Valladolid around 1390, he joined the Friars Minor at the age of 14. He became a central figure in the Observance, a movement dedicated to restoring the original simplicity and fervor of the Franciscan Order. Through his leadership and commitment to poverty, he helped implement significant disciplinary reforms across various Spanish friaries during his lifetime.
Life and reform
After being raised by his mother in Valladolid, Peter joined the local friary and later became a disciple of Pedro de Villacreces. He embraced a life of intense prayer and austerity, frequently fasting from meat and dairy. He eventually rose to lead the reform movement in Spain in 1442, guiding the community toward a more disciplined way of life while maintaining a reputation for great charity toward the poor.
Veneration and legacy
Following his death in 1456, his remains were found to be incorrupt during an exhumation requested by Queen Isabel I. He was canonized in 1746 and serves as the patron saint of Valladolid and its diocese. His feast day is observed on May 13, and he is often depicted in religious art with flames emerging from his heart.