SAN DIEGO — The Church celebrates the Memorial of St. Peter Claver on Sept. 9.
Who is St. Peter Claver?
Born in late 16th-century Spain, he was a Jesuit priest who served as a missionary in Cartagena, Colombia, for 44 years until his death in 1654.
What is he best known for?
According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, Cartagena was “the chief slave mart of the New World,” with about 1,000 African slaves arriving there monthly.
St. Peter Claver was known for his ministry to them. He visited the new arrivals, bringing them food and showing them compassion, and helped the wounded and sick among them. He also taught them the faith and baptized them, even learning one African language and assembling a group of interpreters to do so.
The Encyclopedia says that, over the course of his ministry, he baptized and taught the faith to more than 300,000 Africans.
When making final vows as a Jesuit in 1622, he signed his name as “Peter Claver, slave of the Ethiopians forever.” (“Ethiopian” was then a term used to describe all Black people.)
When did he become a Catholic saint?
St. Peter Claver was beatified on July 16, 1850, by Blessed Pope Pius IX. He was canonized on Jan. 15, 1888, by Pope Leo XIII. On July 7, 1896, Pope Leo also named him patron of all Catholic missions among African populations.
How can we honor St. Peter Claver’s legacy?
In 2016, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops established a National Day of Prayer for Peace to be held annually on Sept. 9. According to the USCCB, “This initiative was introduced to foster open, honest and respectful dialogue within communities facing heightened tensions and acts of violence. The Feast of St. Peter Claver is an occasion for increased prayer and action to strive for peace in our communities.”
Who are the Knights of Peter Claver?
The Knights of Peter Claver is an international fraternal service order, similar to the Knights of Columbus, but created for Black Catholics. It is the oldest lay-led Black Catholic organization still in existence. However, membership is open to those of all races.
It was founded in 1909 in Mobile, Alabama, by four Josephite priests and three laymen. The Ladies Auxiliary was authorized in 1922.
With its headquarters in New Orleans, the Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary are composed of parish-level “councils” of Knights and “courts” of Ladies.
Do the Knights of Peter Claver have a presence in San Diego?
Yes, the Diocese of San Diego is home to Knights of Peter Claver Council/Court 371, which is based at Christ the King Parish, and Council/Court 384, which is based at St. Rita Parish.
