Revolution of Love.com
St. Peter Claver: Patron Saint of Slaves
(1580-1654)
The Jesuits, like the Franciscans, are blessed to have a long list of saints that graced their religious family and gave glory to God. St. Peter Claver, a Jesuit, is one such saint.
St. Peter Claver dedicated over thirty three years of his life ministering to Africans in the slave markets of Columbia before they were sent to the new world. He brought to them food, medicine and water to relieve their physical sufferings. But more importantly, he brought them the love of Jesus Christ by evangelizing and baptizing them. He considered himself "the slave of the enslaved Africans".
What is striking about the life and work of St. Peter Claver was his commitment to the African slaves. No matter the hardships or trials he endured he remained true to his vocation and calling in life. He knew what God expected from him and was more than willing to embrace it out of love for Jesus and neighbor.
In a society such as ours, where so many people change jobs, friends, and addresses with little difficulty or inconvenience, St. Peter Claver offers us a beautiful example of someone who accepted his vocation and apostolate without looking for something better or more prestigious. All he looked for was God's will and all he wanted to do was fulfill it, even if it was unglamorous, dirty, and a job that no one else wanted to do.
Let us follow the example of St. Peter Claver by not only seeking God's will, but by staying committed to it - no matter where it leads us, no matter what it involves.
St. Peter Claver, pray for us.
For more information on the life of St. Peter Claver refer to the following:
(Book) Peter Claver, Patron Saint of Slaves by Julia Durango
Patron Saint Index (Catholic-forum.com) - Peter Claver
Catholic Information Network (CIN.org) - A Saint in the Salve Trade
The Catholic Encyclopedia (NewAdvent.org)- St. Peter Claver