PIETRO ARSBIE, saint. — Spanish martyr, born in Epila (Aragona) in 1442, died in Saragozza on 15 Sept. 1485.
Descended from a noble family, he completed his studies in canon and civil law in Bologna. Upon returning to his homeland, he became a canon regular of the cathedral of Saragozza (1474), where he distinguished himself for his austerity of life, spirit of prayer, and charity toward the poor. When Ferdinand the Catholic established the tribunal of the Inquisition (1484), he was appointed, together with the Dominican Gaspare Ingliar, as inquisitor for Aragon. The energy he demonstrated in his office aroused the bitter hostility of Jewish circles against him. Attacked and stabbed in the cathedral by two Jewish emissaries while he was praying on the night of 14 Sept. 1485, he died the following day. Canonized on 29 June 1867. Feast day on 17 Sept.