EGN NEWS DESK
September 9, 2024
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St. Peter Claver was born in 1580 in Catalonia, Spain. As a younger man, he joined the Jesuits and was impressed by the missionary zeal of St. Alphonsus Rodriguez, a Jesuit brother who inspired him to serve within the missions. In 1610, Peter was despatched to Cartagena, Colombia, a significant hub for the slave commerce. He was ordained a priest there in 1616.
For the subsequent 40 years, Peter devoted his life to ministering to African slaves who have been dropped at Cartagena below horrific circumstances. Every month, ships carrying 1000’s of enslaved individuals would arrive, and Peter could be there to fulfill them. He offered them with meals, water, medication, and care, and he taught them about Christianity, baptizing those that wished to be baptized.
Peter Claver’s work was not restricted to fast bodily care; he additionally fought for higher therapy of slaves, advocating for his or her dignity and rights. Despite the immense opposition and the harmful circumstances below which he labored, Peter endured in his mission of compassion and justice till his demise in 1654. He was canonized in 1888 and is the patron saint of slaves, African missions, and human rights.
Practical Lessons:
- Lesson 1: Helping Those in Difficult Situations: St. Peter Claver’s dedication to aiding enslaved individuals challenges us to search for methods to assist those that are struggling in our personal communities. Whether it’s volunteering at an area shelter, donating to organizations that battle human trafficking, or just providing a listening ear to somebody in misery, we will discover concrete methods to assist others.
- Lesson 2: Standing Up for Others, Even When It’s Hard: Peter Claver didn’t simply assist slaves bodily; he additionally advocated for his or her rights and dignity, regardless of dealing with robust opposition. His instance encourages us to face up for many who can not get up for themselves, even when it’s uncomfortable or dangerous. This might imply talking out in opposition to injustice at work, supporting marginalized teams in our group, or educating ourselves about problems with human dignity.
Prayer to St. Peter Claver:
O God, who made St. Peter Claver a mannequin of compassion and braveness in his ministry to the enslaved, grant that, by means of his intercession, we could also be impressed to serve these in want with selfless love and to face up for the dignity of each human being. Help us to comply with his instance of tireless dedication to justice and mercy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Other Saints We Remember Today
St. Gorgonius (303), Martyr
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