Thought for the Day – 9 September – The Memorial of St Peter Claver “A Stunning Hero”
Fr Claver’s apostolate extended beyond his care for slaves. He became a moral force, indeed, the “Apostle of Cartagena”. He preached in the city square, gave missions to sailors and traders as well as country missions, during which he avoided, when possible, the hospitality of the planters and owners and lodged in the slave quarters instead.
After four years of sickness, which forced the saint to remain inactive and largely neglected, St Peter Claver died on September 8, 1654. The city magistrates, who had previously frowned at his solicitude for the black outcasts, ordered that he should be buried at public expense and with great pomp.
Peter Claver was canonised in 1888 and Pope Leo XIII declared him the worldwide patron of missionary work among black slaves.
The Holy Spirit’s might and power are manifested in the striking decisions and bold actions of Peter Claver. A decision to leave one’s homeland never to return reveals a gigantic act of will difficult for us to imagine. Peter’s determination to serve forever the most abused, rejected and lowly of all people is stunningly heroic. When we measure our lives against such a man’s, we become aware of our own barely used potential and of our need to open ourselves more to the jolting power of Jesus’ Spirit. (Fr Don Miller OFM)
God our Heavenly Father, You have given us life through the Death and Resurrection of Your Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.
Jesus our saving Lord, You came into a world
darkened by man’s sin and gave it light through your teachings,
Holy Spirit, the Breath of God Within us,
You guide and enlighten us and give us the strength of our convictions;
Saint Peter Claver, who became an example for us, You showed us the Love of God
The Light of Christ, and the strength of the Holy Spirit;
We pray now that all we say and do,
in your honor, be a continuation of your work here on earth.
St Peter Claver….pray for us,
St Peter Claver….pray for us,
St Peter Claver….pray for us.
AnaStpaul 