St. Peter Claver

St. Peter Claver was a Spanish Jesuit missionary who dedicated his life to serving African slaves in Colombia. Known as the "Slave of the Slaves," he baptized and ministered to over 300,000 enslaved people, providing them with food, medical care, and spiritual guidance. His tireless efforts for human dignity and justice made him one of the greatest missionaries of his time.

St. Peter Claver was born in Verdu, Spain, in 1580. He entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and, inspired by a fellow Jesuit missionary, St. Alphonsus Rodriguez, felt called to serve in the Americas. In 1610, he traveled to Cartagena, a major port in present-day Colombia, where thousands of enslaved Africans were brought in chains to be sold.

From the moment he arrived, Peter devoted himself to their care. Ignoring the harsh conditions and disease-ridden environment, he would meet the arriving ships with food, water, and medicine. He personally tended to the sick, comforted the suffering, and shared the love of Christ with those who had been torn from their homeland. He preached in their languages and ensured they received the sacraments, especially baptism.

Despite opposition from slave traders and colonial authorities, Peter Claver fearlessly continued his mission for over 40 years. He baptized an estimated 300,000 people, often advocating for their humane treatment. His compassion extended beyond the enslaved—he also worked with the poor, the sick, and prisoners.

In his later years, Peter fell ill and spent the last four years of his life neglected and forgotten. He died on September 8, 1654. After his death, his incredible legacy was recognized, and he was canonized in 1888. He is now honored as the patron saint of missionaries, African Americans, and human rights defenders.

Feast Day

9-9-1654

Birth Date

26-6-1580

Died Date

8-9-1654

Canonised Date

15-1-1888

Cartagena, Colombia

Saint Peter Claver, you dedicated your life to serving the poor and oppressed. Through your love and compassion for those in need, you showed us the true meaning of Christian charity. Help us to follow your example of selfless service and to always care for the marginalized in our world. Intercede for us that we may grow in love and faith, and be a source of hope to those who suffer. Amen.
ST. PETER CLAVER

Video Not Found

ST. PETER CLAVER

The information you see here may be either accurate or might contain some discrepancies, as it is gathered from various sources. If you believe that any part of the details about this saint is incorrect or incomplete, we kindly invite you to share your suggestions or corrections with us. Your insights are invaluable in helping us ensure that we provide the most accurate and reliable information.

We encourage you to use the form on the left to submit any corrections or additional information you may have. Whether it's a small detail or a larger correction, we will carefully review your submission and update the information accordingly. Your contributions will not only help us maintain the integrity of the content but also benefit others who seek to learn more about this saint. We greatly appreciate your assistance in making our information more accurate and complete.

Please rest assured that your personal details will remain confidential, and your suggestions will be handled with the utmost care. Together, we can ensure that the information about this saint is as accurate and informative as possible. Thank you for your time and contribution!