Memorial of Saint Peter Claver, Priest
Today is the Memorial of St Peter Claver, a Spanish Jesuit priest and missionary (1580-1654), known as the patron saint of slaves, Colombia and ministry with African Americans. Leaving his family wealth, Peter added to his perpetual vows in the Society of Jesus, a personal one, "to be a slave of slaves". For 38 years, he worked in the port city of Cartagena, Columbia tending to the physical needs and ministering spiritually to those arriving on slave ships.
During his time, strong men and women were captured in West Africa, chained in groups of six and transported in groups of 600-800 in holds of ships designed for 100 - 200. Treatment was so inhumane that one-third died in the sea journey. Peter boarded the ships as they arrived, undaunted by the repugnant smells, and he also visited slaves in the warehouses where they were held before being auctioned to the highest bidder. Peter brought food, water, medicine, clothing, stating "We must speak to them with our hands, before we try to speak to them with our lips". He also brought hope in the promises of God. While nursing people back to health, he taught them about Christ, shared that they were loved by God more than they were abused by humans, and that evil outraged God. It is estimated that he baptized 300,000. Peter faithfully lived his call as a disciple that is conveyed in today’s Gospel, and many experienced healing through his presence.
September 9th, Memorial of St. Peter Claver, was chosen by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops as a National Day of Prayer for Peace. The Bishops have prepared many resources about St. Peter Claver and to support Catholics in seeking the conversion of hearts and to address the sin of racism.
The impacts of racism continue today. Systemic causes included the illegal ‘redlining’ practices in the past century which prevented just lending and mortgages to African Americans and others and embedded racial segregation and inequality into the development of American cities and suburbs. This practice created a wealth gap that continues to impact our communities today. This PBS documentary tells the redlining inequality story in Dayton and Springfield.
On this day, may we grow in our ability to live the Gospel call to unity, to do good even when it is difficult and even repugnant, and to grow as healers and reconcilers in addressing the sin of racism. May we grow in our learning about the sin of racism and have the courage to change. May St. Peter Claver’s life inspire us to reach out and build relationships with others of cultures and races that differ from our own, despite our fears and societal constraints.
Pope Leo’s words can guide our actions. “Brothers and sisters, I would like that our first great desire be for a united Church., a sign of unity and communion which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world. In our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earth’s resources and marginalizes the poorest.” Pope Leo XIV - Homily from the Inauguration Mass.
—Sr. Leanne Jablonski, FMI