Saint Who?
Saints Who Were Missionaries
Saint Peter Claver
Priest († 1654)Feast: September 9
Peter was born in Spain, graduated from the University of Barcelona, and was admitted to the Society of Jesus. While still a young novice in the order, he was befriended by his community’s doorman. Brother Alphonsus, now known as Saint Alphonsus Rodriguez, predicted that Peter would bring the Gospel to many unbelievers in the New World. And he was right.
After Peter joined the Jesuits, he was sent to Colombia. Although shy and very young, he immediately recognized that God was calling him to dedicate his life to the service of the thousands of African slaves who arrived in the port of Cartagena every month. For three decades, he won the trust of these mistreated people through kindness, provided them with food and clothing, learned their languages, and shared the Good News of God’s love for them. He also faced constant insults, mistreatment, and threats from slave traders, wealthy slaveowners, and the local authorities. Their dulled consciences were pricked by his compassion, which made it more difficult for them to treat the Africans as mere property.
Peter did not end slavery in the New World. But he did bring Christ to enslaved persons, and he demonstrated the religious belief of all Christians that every human being should be treated with dignity.
Heavenly Father, may all our brothers and sisters
be treated with dignity.
