Saint of the Day: St. Peter Claver | September 9

By SIDTP SoCom

Published on September 9, 2024

St. Peter Claver was a Jesuit priest born in 1580 in what is now Spain. He is best known for his incredible dedication to helping enslaved people in the Spanish colonies of South America, particularly in the city of Cartagena, Colombia.

Peter Claver entered the Jesuit order and, after completing his studies, was sent to Colombia to work in the mission field. Upon arriving in Cartagena, he encountered the harsh realities faced by enslaved Africans who were being forcibly brought to the Americas to work under brutal conditions. Moved by their suffering, Claver dedicated his life to their service.

Claver’s mission was not only to offer spiritual comfort but also to care for the physical needs of the enslaved individuals. He would often board the ships that brought these people from Africa, bringing them food, medicine, and other essentials. His compassion and tireless efforts earned him the title “Slave of the Slaves” because of his relentless commitment to improving their lives.

He is remembered for his deep faith and his belief in the dignity of every human person, regardless of their status or origin. Claver’s work went beyond mere charity; he sought to affirm the inherent worth of each person he served and to challenge the injustices of the system that oppressed them.

St. Peter Claver’s legacy is a powerful reminder of the importance of human dignity and the call to stand against injustice. His work inspired many and serves as a model of how faith can be actively lived out in the service of others. He was canonized as a saint in 1888 by Pope Leo XIII, and his feast day is celebrated on September 9th.

 

Sources:
1. Maryks, Robert A. Saints for Sinners: The Lives of Peter Claver and Other Saints. Paulist Press, 2011.
2. Farmer, David Hugh, ed. The Oxford Dictionary of Saints. Oxford University Press, 2003.