St. Peter Claver: A Life of Mercy, Dignity, and Service.
St. Peter Claver: A Life of Mercy, Dignity, and Service. Saint Peter Claver, Priest, is remembered as a powerful witness to the dignity of every human person and the transforming power of Christian love. Born in Spain in 1580, he eventually became a Jesuit missionary in Cartagena, in present-day Colombia, where he dedicated his life to serving enslaved Africans who were brought there under brutal conditions. Peter Claver encountered people who had been stripped of their freedom, separated from their families, treated as property, and subjected to terrible suffering. Instead of turning away from their pain, he went toward them. He welcomed them, cared for the sick, brought them food and medicine, defended their dignity, and sought to bring them the consolation of Christ. He became known for his extraordinary commitment to those who were suffering. He personally ministered to thousands of enslaved people, learning languages and using interpreters so that he could communicate with t...