St. Peter of Tarentaise – Shepherd in the Alps, Defender of the Poor

Celebrate the pastoral courage and monastic wisdom of St. Peter of Tarentaise with this noble digital portrait. Shown in the robes of a Cistercian bishop, he holds a crozier and wears a gilded pectoral cross, standing before a majestic alpine landscape and a mountain chapel—echoing his mission among the poor and isolated villages of the French Alps.

A radiant golden halo and intricately carved frame surround him, featuring iconographic depictions of prayer, study, and episcopal charity. His wise gaze and silver beard evoke the spirit of a true shepherd and servant of the Gospel.

Short Biography:

St. Peter of Tarentaise (c. 1102–1174) was a Cistercian monk from Bonnevaux Abbey in France who became Archbishop of Tarentaise, a remote diocese high in the Alps. Known for his austere lifestyle, preaching, and tireless charity, he visited remote villages on foot, built hospitals and refuges, and protected the poor from injustice.

Despite the burdens of office, he retained the Cistercian spirit of simplicity and service. After briefly resigning to return to monastic life, he was called back to lead once more, dying while on a peacekeeping mission. He was canonized by Pope Celestine III in 1191.

Symbolism in the Art:

• Crozier (bishop's staff) – Signifies his role as a spiritual shepherd and archbishop

• Cistercian habit – Reflects his monastic origins and humble spirituality

• Golden halo – Denotes his sanctity and eternal reward

• Mountain chapel and valley – Represents his mission in the French Alps

• Ornate gold frame – Honors his spiritual authority and saintly legacy

Perfect For:

• Cistercian monks and religious communities

• Lovers of Church history and French saints

• Bishops and clergy seeking pastoral models

• Mountain or rural parish displays

• Confirmation gifts or feast day devotions (May 8)

Product Details:

• Format: Digital Download

• Included File: 1 High-Resolution PNG (portrait orientation)

• Style: Sacred realism with monastic and alpine iconography

• Recommended Use: Best printed on fine art paper or canvas for liturgical or devotional spaces

Patronage & Feast Day:

• Patron Saint of: Alpine dioceses, shepherds, rural clergy

• Feast Day: May 8

• Title: Archbishop of Tarentaise, Cistercian Reformer

“A bishop must be a monk in soul and a shepherd in deed.” – St. Peter of Tarentaise
Let his image inspire a return to simple, sacrificial leadership and love for the least among us.