St Peter Chanel
Today we will remember the life that was lived by St. Peter Chanel. St. Peter was born in France, St. Peter’s desire for the missions had begun while he was in school, when he was able to read letters missionaries to America had sent back home. While he was a young priest, St. Peter was able to bring back to life a parish that was in a “bad” district by showing a great devotion to the sick. St. Peter who wanted to be a missionary, decided to join the Society of Mary, known as the Marists, at around the age of 28. Obediently, St. Peter decided to teach in the seminary for five years. Later on while he was superior of seven Marists, he had traveled to Western Oceania. The bishop who had joined the missionaries left St. Peter and a brother on Futuna Island which is in northeast of Fiji, promising to return in six months. However, he was actually gone five years.
Meanwhile, St. Peter who had struggled with learning a new language was able to master it, which helped him when making the difficult adjustment to life with whalers, traders, and natives. Despite the little apparent success, he was able to maintain a serene and gentle spirit, he also showed endless patience and courage. A few natives were able to be baptized, and a few more were being instructed. When the chieftain’s son asked to be baptized, persecution by the chieftain had reached a climax. St. Peter ended up being clubbed to death.
Within two years after he had death, the whole island had became Catholic and it has remained that way since. St. Peter was later canonized by Pope Pius XII during the year 1954. St. Peter Chanel is the first martyr of Oceania and he is the patron saint of Oceania. St. Peter's feast day is celebrated on April 28th.
Prayer to St. Peter Chanel
St. Peter intercede that we may be able to serve others regardless of how hard or dangerous it may be. St. Peter be with us through every struggle we may encounter and help us to guide others to Christ.
Amen
St. Peter pray for us
St. Joseph pray for us
May we continue to strengthen our journey to sainthood and keep others in our prayers.
Works cited
Information (read from, not taken):
Franciscan media. “Saint Peter Chanel. ”Saint Peter Chanel | Franciscan Media. Accessed August 1, 2021.
Images:
St. Peter Chanel. August 1, 2021. St. Peter Chanel - Google Search.