Saint Peter Claver

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Saint Peter Claver
Feast Day	September 09
Liturgical Class
Patronage	Slaves, missionaries, Colombia
Birthplace	Verdú, Spain
Death Place	Cartagena, Colombia
Cause of Death	Natural causes
Primary Shrine	Church of San Pedro Claver, Cartagena, Colombia

Saint Peter Claver (June 26, 1580 – September 8, 1654) was a Christian saint and Jesuit priest, renowned for his missionary work among enslaved Africans in Cartagena, Colombia. Born in Verdú, Spain, he served under the Diocese of Cartagena, dedicating his life to the spiritual and physical care of slaves. His tireless charity earned him the title “Apostle of the Africans.” Canonized in 1888 by Pope Leo XIII, his feast day on September 9 in the Roman Rite draws pilgrims to his relics in Cartagena, Colombia.

Saint Peter Claver’s compassion transformed the lives of countless enslaved people. His intercession is sought by missionaries and those fighting slavery, and his legacy endures through his example of social justice.

Biography

Birth

Saint Peter Claver was born on June 26, 1580, in Verdú, Spain, to a devout Catholic family of farmers. His birthplace, a small town under the Diocese of Urgell, fostered his early piety. Spain’s Counter-Reformation zeal shaped his faith.

Baptized in a local Parish, Peter was educated in scripture and humanities. His compassion marked him for religious life.

Early Life

Growing up in Verdú, Saint Peter Claver studied at the University of Barcelona, joining the Society of Jesus in 1602. Sent to Majorca, he trained under Saint Alphonsus Rodriguez, whose advice inspired his mission to the New World. In 1610, he sailed to Cartagena, Colombia, under the Diocese of Cartagena.

Ordained in 1616, he began ministering to enslaved Africans. Claver’s early life of Jesuit formation prepared him for his apostolate.

Occupation

Saint Peter Claver’s primary occupation was as a Jesuit priest and missionary in Cartagena. He boarded slave ships, baptizing, feeding, and nursing thousands, overseen by the Diocese of Cartagena. He also preached and cared for prisoners and the sick.

His “occupation” was relentless charity. His work reflected the Roman Rite’s call to serve the marginalized.

Vocation

Saint Peter Claver’s vocation was his missionary priesthood, centered on enslaved Africans. In Cartagena, he baptized over 300,000 people, earning the title “slave of the slaves,” strengthening the Diocese of Cartagena. His miracles, like healings, drew devotion.

His advocacy challenged the slave trade. Claver’s vocation as a missionary made him a pioneer of human dignity.

Death

Saint Peter Claver met his end on September 8, 1654, dying of natural causes in Cartagena, Colombia, at age 74. Exhausted by his labors and illness, he passed in his Jesuit residence, surrounded by companions. His death was mourned by the Diocese of Cartagena.

His funeral drew thousands, and miracles were reported at his tomb. His relics in the Church of San Pedro Claver remain a pilgrimage site.

Significant events

• Joined Jesuits in 1602.
• Arrived in Cartagena in 1610.
• Beatified in 1850.
• Canonized in 1888.

Significant locations

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Legend

• Birth location: Verdú, Spain
• Death location: Cartagena, Colombia
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Parishes

Saint Peter Claver
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Canonization

Servant of God

The process to recognize Saint Peter Claver as a Servant of God began in 1696 in the Diocese of Cartagena, with testimonies of his charity and miracles collected.

Venerable

Declared Venerable in 1747 by Pope Benedict XIV for his heroic virtue. The Diocese of Cartagena’s findings highlighted his service to slaves.

Beatification

Beatified on July 16, 1850, by Pope Pius IX after a miracle involving the healing of a slave in Cartagena, who recovered from a mortal illness after prayers to Claver. The Roman Rite ceremony in Rome allowed veneration in Jesuit communities.

Canonization

Canonized on January 15, 1888, by Pope Leo XIII following a second miracle, the recovery of a child in Barcelona from a terminal illness after a novena to Claver. The Roman Rite ceremony in Rome established his universal veneration, with his feast day set for September 9.

Miracles

Miracle for beatification

In 1849, a slave in Cartagena, suffering from a fatal fever, was healed after prayers to Saint Peter Claver. The recovery was instantaneous, verified by physicians and the Diocese of Cartagena. This miracle was pivotal for his beatification.

The case was scrutinized by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, confirming its inexplicability. It strengthened devotion in Colombia.

Miracle for canonization

In 1887, a child in Barcelona with a terminal illness recovered after a novena to Saint Peter Claver. The cure was documented by the Diocese of Barcelona and approved by Pope Leo XIII.

This miracle solidified his sainthood, with the Roman Rite recognizing his intercessory power. It spurred global devotion.

Other notable miracles

• Healing of a leper in Cartagena.
• Protection of a slave ship during a storm.

Patronage

Saint Peter Claver is the patron saint of slaves, missionaries, and Colombia.

Feast day

His feast day is celebrated on September 9 in the Roman Rite, honoring his life and mission.

Veneration

Saint Peter Claver is venerated through novenas, pilgrimages to his relics in the Church of San Pedro Claver, Cartagena, Colombia, and devotion among missionaries and anti-slavery advocates. His relics, including his bones, are revered. He is depicted in art with slaves and a cross, notably in Latin American churches. His work influences social justice movements.

Books

Written about the saint

• Peter Claver: Apostle of the Africans
• Saints of the Americas by TAN Books

Written by the saint

• Letters of Saint Peter Claver

External links

• CatholicSaints.Info: Saint Peter Claver
• Catholic.org: St. Peter Claver
• AnastPaul: Saint of the Day