The Catholic Church recognizes this saint as an example of dedication, commitment to the most disadvantaged and the fight against injustice. His work took place mainly in Cartagena de Indias, where he supported thousands of African people who arrived in conditions of slavery.
SAINT PETER CLAVER
Saint Peter Claver was born in Verdú, Spain, in 1580. He joined the Society of Jesus and, after moving to the Americas, was ordained a priest in Cartagena de Indias. There, he decided to devote his life to caring for the enslaved people who arrived at the port after long and arduous journeys.
For decades, he treated the sick, provided food and medicine, and offered spiritual support to those suffering from the slave trade. He learned different languages so he could communicate with them and defended their dignity as human beings at a time when they were treated as merchandise.
Saint Peter Claver died on September 8, 1654, and was canonized in 1888 by Pope Leo XIII. He is known as the "slave of the slaves" and is considered the patron saint of missions among Black people and of human rights.
WHY ARE SAINTS' FEAST DAYS CELEBRATED?
The celebration of saints' feast days has its origins in our culture through the Christian tradition established in Spain. But what does it really mean to celebrate a saint's day? Catholicism has set aside each day of the year to remember and commemorate important Christians who also suffered persecution from those who rejected the Catholic faith.
The Roman Martyrology lists the names of the saints as we know them. The name refers to a kind of encyclopedia that the Vatican updates by adding new saints after their canonization.
