18 Facts About Peter Claver

Peter Claver was a Spanish Jesuit priest and missionary born in Verdu, Spain, who, due to his life and work, became the patron saint of slaves, Colombia, and ministry to African Americans.

Peter Claver is considered a heroic example of what should be the Christian praxis of love and of the exercise of human rights.

Peter Claver was born 70 years after King Ferdinand of Spain set the colonial slavery culture into motion by authorizing the purchase of 250 African slaves in Lisbon for his territories in New Spain.

Later, as a student at the University of Barcelona, Peter Claver was noted for his intelligence and piety.

Rodriguez felt that he had been told by God that Peter Claver was to spend his life in service in the colonies of New Spain, and he frequently urged the young student to accept that calling.

Peter Claver volunteered for the Spanish colonies and was sent to the New Kingdom of Granada, where he arrived in the port city of Cartagena in 1610.

Sandoval devoted himself to serving the slaves for 40 years before Peter Claver arrived to continue his work.

Whereas Sandoval had visited the slaves where they worked, Peter Claver preferred to head for the wharf as soon as a slave ship entered the port.

Peter Claver wore a cloak, which he would lend to anyone in need.

Once baptized, Peter Claver saw the slaves as fellow Christians, and encouraged others to treat them as such.

Peter Claver's mission extended beyond caring for the slaves, however.

Peter Claver preached in the city square, to sailors and traders and conducted country missions, returning every spring to visit those he had baptized, ensuring that they were treated humanely.

Peter Claver's work on behalf of the enslaved did not prevent him from ministering to the souls of well-to-do members of society, traders and visitors to Cartagena and condemned criminals, many of whom he spiritually prepared for death; he was a frequent visitor at the city's hospitals.

Peter Claver lingered for four years, largely forgotten and neglected, physically abused and starved by an ex-slave who had been hired by the Superior of the house to care for him.

Peter Claver never complained about his treatment, accepting it as a just punishment for his sins.

Peter Claver was canonized in 1888 by Pope Leo XIII, along with the Jesuit porter, Alphonsus Rodriguez.

Peter Claver's body is preserved and venerated in the church of the Jesuit residence, now renamed in his honor as Iglesia de San Pedro Claver.

That said, the sources cited by Grimes' in her criticism stated that Peter Claver allowed uncommon freedom for the slaves he purchased, and resorted to physical punishment solely to prevent what he saw as immoral behavior.