From: rich <richarra@gmail.com>

September 9th - St. Peter Claver

Peter was born at Verdu, Spain in the year 1580. Almost nothing is
known of his early life, He was educated at the University of
Barcelona and received minor orders. In 1602, he entered the Society
of Jesus (Jesuits) and was sent to study at Majorca where he came to
know Alfonso Rodriguez.

Rodriguez' influence encouraged Peter to follow his desire to dedicate
his life to ministering to those bound to slavery. In April of 1610
his longed for dream came to realization as he set sail for Cartagena, Columbia. It was in Cartagena that he made the acquaintance of Alonso
de Sandoval who introduced him to the horrors and inhumanity of
slavery. Peter vowed to dedicate his life to be the "slave of the
slaves forever." He was ordained to the priesthood in 1615 at Bogot=C3=A1. After the death of Sandoval, Peter returned to Cartagena.

Although by nature a shy and reticent man, Peter organized assistants
and acquired food, medicines, clothing and other items. He would meet
each slave ship as it came in and would convince the owners to allow
him to go below deck and minister to the slaves. Peter ignored the
stench of death and disease and sought to alleviate the fear and
sickness he encountered.

Peter would spend his time between ships ministering to the slaves,
teaching them about God, caring for their wounds and illnesses and
encouraging them. His reputation for compassion and love earned him
praise and criticism. He was not popular with the landowners and often
suffered criticism by his own clerical authorities. But his focus was
always on God and His love for all humanity. Peter not only cared for
the slaves, but also the sick of Cartagena. He likewise ministered to
the ships' traders, sailors and other occupants. On some days he could
be found in the city's large squares preaching the Word of God and
exhorting the people to justice, compassion and mercy. For Peter, any opportunity to express the Love of God for all peoples could not be
allowed to pass.

In 1650, his tired and emaciated body was struck down with the plague.
Although he recovered from the disease he was left with a partial
paralysis and suffered almost continuous pain. He was unable to
continue his work and except for hearing confessions occasionally, he
was left neglected and forgotten in his cell. On September 6, 1654 he
was again taken seriously ill and went into a coma, dying two days
later on the feast of the Nativity of Mary.

The man who had essentially been forgotten was suddenly remembered by
all. Many of those who had ridiculed his care and concern for the
slaves and who had criticized his zeal for God's work, now competed to
honor his memory. He was canonized in 1888 by Pope Leo XIII and
declared patron of missionary activities among Negroes.


Saint Quote:
For some are in the habit of carrying about the name [of Jesus Christ]
in wicked guile, while yet they practice things unworthy of God, whom
ye must flee as ye would wild beasts. For they are ravening dogs, who
bite secretly, against whom ye must be on your guard, inasmuch as they
are men who can scarcely be cured. There is one Physician who is
possessed both of flesh and spirit; both made and not made; God
existing in flesh; true life in death; both of Mary and of God; first
passible and then impassible,--even Jesus Christ our Lord.
--Saint Ignatius of Antioch

Bible Quote:
In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in
honor preferring one another; in diligence not slothful; fervent in
spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing stedfastly in prayer; communicating to the necessities of
the saints; given to hospitality. Bless them that persecute you;
bless, and curse not. (Rom. 12:10) DRB


<><><><>
We must always pray, and not faint.--Luke 18:1

14. The whole aim of whoever intends to give himself to prayer ought
to be to labor, to resolve, to dispose himself, with all possible
diligence, to conform his will to that of God. For in this consists
all the highest perfection that can be acquired in the spiritual way.
--St. Teresa

It was the principal object of all the prayers of this Saint, to
conform herself in everything to the Divine Will. This also was the
end that St. Bernard fixed for himself at the beginning of his prayer,
when he encouraged himself to make it, as we read in his Life, by the
hope of knowing and doing the will of God. The same thing is related
of St. Vincent de Paul, and of many other servants of God.

( "A Year with the Saints". September: Prayer)
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* Origin: News Gate @ Net396 -Huntsville, AL - USA (1:396/4)