This time, Fr. Ho speaks of St. Peter Claver, a 16th century Jesuit priest who especially served the poor and the black slaves of Colombia. Born in Spain in the year 1581, St. Peter Claver went to Colombia to study for the priesthood and became a priest in 1615. He had a special gift for administration and was especially called to help the black slaves and alleviate their suffering. He liked to stay near the ports to care for the newly-arrived slaves. Unattended for, hungry, and sick, they were immensely grateful every time St. Peter Claver came with food, brandy, lemons, tobacco, and medicine. With missionaries fluent in seven African languages, he instructed them in the Catholic faith and told them of God, who loved all humans like a parent, even those in suffering. He would also travel around Colombia to preach, say Masses, and hear Confessions. Eventually, he would lead 300,000 African slaves to be baptized and hear 5,000 Confessions a year. In addition, he would visit the ill in the hospitals and hear Confession for 15 hours in the prisons, getting even the most obstinate of prisoners to repent. Eventually, having been informed of the arrival of new missionaries from Spain to carry on his work, he fell ill and died in 1654. In 1888, he was made a saint and patron of black people throughout the world. Starting with his actions, he served the poor and transferred the faith to others. He was also filled with missionary zeal and love for others. We should imitate his loving example and always see how we are people loved by God.
Spiritual Talk – St. Peter Claver
