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This Order... 

so well deserving of the highest appreciation... 

was at first exposed to violent persecutions. 

But Peter overcame all opposition, and before the end of his life, had the consolation of witnessing a great number of generous souls in different monasteries, devoted heart and soul to so noble a work. 

When the persecution was at its height, he addressed his disciples: "Let us fear and praise God. He has the hearts of men in His hands, and can bend them as He wishes." 

Francisco Pacheco, Last Communion

Peter governed his Order for thirty years... 

within which time he opened the prison doors to thousands of captives, whom his own incessant labors, joined with those of his disciples, rescued from a miserable fate, and in all probability from eternal death.

Before his death, he called his children to his bedside, and exhorted them to perseverance in their love for captives. His last words were those of the Psalmist: "I will praise Thee, O Lord, Who hast sent redemption to Thy people!" 

Pérez de Holguín, Agonia

Previous to this hour... 

he had long and ardently cherished the desire of visiting the tomb of his patron Saint Peter, the Prince of the Apostles, whose name he bore, and was saddened at not finding an opportunity to execute this project. 

But now this holy Apostle appeared to him, and addressed him: "Not all of our pious desires can be fulfilled. God, however, is satisfied with the intention. I know your longing to visit me at Rome, but such is not the good pleasure of the Lord. Yet, because you cannot visit me, I have now come to see you, and to assure you of my assistance till your last breath." 

Zurbarán, Vision of St.Peter

St. Peter Nolasco obtained a similar favor... 

from his Guardian Angel and other Saints... 

who visibly appeared to him, no doubt to reward his special devotion to them. 

But Mary, the Queen of all Saints, gave him special proofs of Her love and esteem. He saw Her in person several times, and was filled with such sweet joy and consolation at Her promise always to befriend him, that he cried out ecstatically at his last hour: "O how sweet it is, to die under the protection of Mary!" 

He expired in the year 1256.

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