Memorial of Saint Peter Claver, Priest

A member of the Society of Jesus, Saint Peter Claver was born to a prosperous family in Verdu, Spain. He entered the Jesuits in 1601, and ten years later, Peter Claver arrived to serve the America missions, landing in Cartagena, Colombia. After completing his studies in Bogotá, he was ordained a priest in Cartagena in 1616. 

Between 1616 and 1650, Peter Claver ministered to the needs of the 10,000 slaves who arrived each year. When a slave ship arrived, Peter Claver boarded the ship and refused to leave until he was able to provide those on board with food, medical care, and brief instruction on the Catholic faith. With the help of interpreters, Peter Claver assured his brothers and sisters of their human dignity and God’s love for them. By 1651, he had baptized at least 300,000 enslaved people. 

Peter Claver became a moral force by preaching in the city square and giving missions to sailors and traders. He also offered missions throughout the area, always avoiding, when possible, the hospitality of the planters and owners. He preferred to lodge in the slave quarters instead.

He died of the plague September 7, 1654, and was canonized in 1888.