Saint Peter Claver, Priest

The Memorial of Saint Peter Claver, Priest, is celebrated on **September 9th**. Saint Peter Claver was a Jesuit priest from Catalonia who dedicated his life to ministering to enslaved Africans in Cartagena, Colombia. He served them for **thirty-eight years**, baptizing over **300,000** individuals. He is known for his Christlike compassion and his efforts to confront the horrors of slavery.

Saint Peter Claver was canonized by Pope Leo XIII on January 15, 1888. He is the patron saint of African missions, African-Americans, black missions, black people, foreign missions, interracial justice, slaves, and Colombia. His life and work continue to inspire many to strive for peace and justice in their communities.

The Memorial of Saint Peter Claver, Priest, is celebrated on **September 9th**. Saint Peter Claver was a Jesuit priest from Catalonia who dedicated his life to ministering to enslaved Africans in Cartagena, Colombia. He served them for **thirty-eight years**, baptizing over **300,000** individuals³. He is known for his Christlike compassion and his efforts to confront the horrors of slavery.

Saint Peter Claver was canonized by Pope Leo XIII on January 15, 1888. He is the patron saint of African missions, African-Americans, black missions, black people, foreign missions, interracial justice, slaves, and Colombia. His life and work continue to inspire many to strive for peace and justice in their communities.

Several miracles are attributed to Saint Peter Claver, both during his lifetime and after his death. Here are some notable ones:

1. **Healing the Sick**: Saint Peter Claver was known for his miraculous healings. There were instances when he healed the sick with the touch of his cloak.

2. **Supernatural Light**: During his hospital visits, he was sometimes seen surrounded by a supernatural light.

3. **Miracles in America**: After his death, three miracles from America were attributed to him: one in St. Louis, one in Milwaukee, and one in Philadelphia.

4. **Miracle for Canonization**: One of the miracles chosen for his canonization process was formally declared authentic in Rome by Cardinal Bianchi in 1887.

These miracles contributed to his canonization and the recognition of his holiness and dedication to serving others.

(1) Feast of St. Peter Claver | USCCB. https://www.usccb.org/committees/ad-hoc-committee-against-racism/feast-st-peter-claver.
(2) Fighting slavery like a saint: The story of St. Peter Claver, SJ. https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2024/09/09/fight-slavery-like-a-saint-the-story-of-peter-claver/.
(3) St. Peter Claver - My Catholic Life!. https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/september-9-saint-peter-claver/.
(4) Celebrate the Memorial of St. Peter Claver. https://dosafl.com/2021/09/07/celebrate-the-feast-of-st-peter-claver/.
(5) Peter Claver - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Claver.
(6) en.wikipedia.org. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Claver.