St. Peter Claver

Peter Claver (Full name Pedro Claver y Corberó) was a Spanish Jesuit priest and missionary. He was born into a devoutly Catholic and prosperous farming family in 1580 - 70 years after King Ferdinand of Spain authorized the purchase of 250 African slaves in Lisbon for his territories in New Spain, thereby initiating the colonial slavery culture. Later, when he was a student at the University of Barcelona, he gained a reputation for his wisdom and religiosity. In the notebook he carried throughout his life, Claver wrote: "I must dedicate myself to the service of God until death, with the understanding that I am like a slave."

From them, Peter Claver dedicated his life to the aid of slaves in Cartagena, Colombia. He attempted to board every approaching slave ship with food and medication in order to provide medical care, offer consolation to the distressed and terrified slaves, and teach religion. Additionally, he went to the local plantations to encourage the slaves there and urge the owners to treat them decently. He was known to turn down the hospitality of the plantation owners during these visits and instead stay in the slave quarters. Despite strong government opposition, Peter persisted for 38 years and is believed to have baptized 300,000 slaves. The Congress of the Republic of Colombia declared September 9 as the Human Rights National Day in his honor.

Born: 26 June 1580

Died: 8 September 1654

Contribution: Work as the patron saint of slaves, the Republic of Colombia, and ministry to African Americans.