Missions / Peter Claver, 1580–1654, Feast Day: September 9

A Spanish Jesuit, Peter went to the New World as a missionary. In Cartagena, Colombia, he was  appalled at the plight of the thousands of slaves being brought in from Africa each month. He stayed for forty-four years as a “slave of the slave,” meeting the slave boats and tending their human cargo as best he could. This made him the enemy of the slave traders and the upper classes. He was known as the prophet and miracle worker of Cartagena and is credited with saving that city from earthquake.

Other patronages: Colombia, Lake Charles (Louisiana); black missions, interracial justice, race relations; African-Americans

Invoked: against slavery