St. Peter Claver

 

Saint Peter Claver, Confessor

 

Peter Claver was a Spanish Jesuit. In Majorca he fell in with the holy lay-brother Alphonsus Rodriguez, who, having already learned by revelation the saintly career of Peter, became his spiritual guide, foretold to him the labours he would undergo in the Indies, and the throne he would gain in heaven. Ordained priest in New Granada, Peter was sent to Cartagena, the great slave-mart of the West Indies; and there he consecrated himself by vow to the salvation of those ignorant and miserable creatures. For more than forty years he laboured in this work. He called himself 'the slave of the slaves.' He was their apostle, father, physician, and friend. He fed them, nursed them with the utmost tenderness in their loathsome diseases, often applying his own lips to their hideous sores. His cloak, which was the constant covering of the naked, though soiled with their filthy ulcers, sent forth a miraculous perfume. His rest after his great labours was in nights of penance and prayer. However spent he might be, when news arrived of a fresh slave-ship, Blessed Peter immediately revived, his eyes brightened, and he was at once on board amongst his dear slaves, bringing them comfort for body and soul. A false charge of reiterating baptism for a while stopped his work. He submitted without a murmur till the calumny was refuted, and then God so blessed his toil that 40,000 negroes were baptized before he went to his reward in 1654.

 

 

Saint Peter Claver’s Story

A native of Spain, young Jesuit Peter Claver left his homeland forever in 1610 to be a missionary in the colonies of the New World. He sailed into Cartagena, a rich port city washed by the Caribbean. He was ordained there in 1615.

By this time the slave trade had been established in the Americas for nearly 100 years, and Cartagena was a chief center for it. Ten thousand slaves poured into the port each year after crossing the Atlantic from West Africa under conditions so foul and inhuman that an estimated one-third of the passengers died in transit. Although the practice of slave-trading was condemned by Pope Paul III and later labeled “supreme villainy” by Pope Pius IX, it continued to flourish.
Peter Claver’s predecessor, Jesuit Father Alfonso de Sandoval, had devoted himself to the service of the slaves for 40 years before Claver arrived to continue his work, declaring himself “the slave of the Negroes forever.”

As soon as a slave ship entered the port, Peter Claver moved into its infested hold to minister to the ill-treated and exhausted passengers. After the slaves were herded out of the ship like chained animals and shut up in nearby yards to be gazed at by the crowds, Claver plunged in among them with medicines, food, bread, brandy, lemons, and tobacco. With the help of interpreters he gave basic instructions and assured his brothers and sisters of their human dignity and God’s love. During the 40 years of his ministry, Claver instructed and baptized an estimated 300,000 slaves.

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, he Claver 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 canonized in 1888, and Pope Leo XIII declared him the worldwide patron of missionary work among black slaves.

Charity to our Neighbor

 

When you see any one standing in need of your assistance, either for body or soul, do not ask yourself why someone else did not help him, but think to yourself that you have found a treasure. 'Do thou seek nothing in this world save that which Jesus Christ Himself has sought--to sanctify souls, to work, to suffer, nay, to die for their salvation.'--Blessed Peter Claver.

When Easter came, Blessed Peter left the town to search the mountains for the negroes who might be scattered among them. The tropical storms drenched him to the skin, but he never turned nor stopped. When he found a settlement he would never leave it till the last negro was brought to the Sacrament of Penance. He once suddenly left the house where he was staying, and plunged without guide or road into impracticable mountain recesses. None knew whither or why he went; but when he returned pale and worn, it was discovered that he had gone to administer the last Sacraments to three old negroes who had been abandoned by all the world, and had crawled into a ruined hut to die.

'Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is scandalized,
and I am not on fire?'--2 Cor. xi. 29





Excerpts from the life of St. Peter Claver, S.J.:
the apostle of the Negroes, 1893




Administering Baptism

 

When Peter Claver thought them (the slaves) sufficiently instructed, he appointed a day for the administration of baptism. He arranged them in tens, giving the same name to each ten that they might better remember it. He baptized the children first, then the men and boys, and lastly the women and girls. But before beginning the ceremony, he knelt down and prayed fervently for those poor souls redeemed by the blood of God, to whom he presented them all, conjuring Him to purify them. This being done he arose, his face inflamed like a seraph's, and approached those to be baptized, accompanied by an interpreter and a Christian Negro and Negress, to act as god-father and god-mother. The neophyte knelt down with his hands joined upon his breast, and the father showing him the baptismal water in a silver vase, said, "Behold this saving water, which in virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, washes and purifies the soul, rendering it brilliant as the sun. Behold the fountain of grace which makes men, children of God, and gives them a right to the kingdom of His glory. To obtain this favor we must repent of our sins, renounce the devil and the maxims of the world. Will you not do this with all your heart? Do you believe in Jesus Christ? Will you enter His Church and receive baptism?"

He repeated these words two or three times; and when the Negro had answered properly, he was immediately baptized. After this, in order to distinguish him from those not baptized, he put round his neck a medal bearing the names of Jesus and Mary. "Whilst thus employed, were he informed that any one of the sick was in danger, he hastened immediately to him. It is impossible to say how many souls he snatched from the devil by this prompt and timely succor; for many died instantly after baptism. On such occasions he immediately knelt down to thank God for deigning to employ him in the salvation of those unfortunates who without this grace would have been irretrievably lost.

When the ceremony of baptism was over, he made a pathetic exhortation to the newly-baptized, reminding them of the great benefit they had just received, and of the obligations they had contracted. He then exhorted them to observe faithfully the law of Jesus Christ, whose members they had become, and to die rather than violate it by a single sin; adding, that if unfortunately they should sin, they would find a salutary remedy, a secure and ever-open resource, in contrition and confession. After this he explained to them the way in which Christians should receive the sacrament of penance. To strike them the more forcibly, to give them a greater horror of sin, and to incite them more efficaciously to the practice of virtue, he drew a picture to them, on the one hand, of a lost soul, with the eternal punishments which God has prepared for sinners, and on the other a beautified soul, resplendent in glory; "Behold," he would say to them, "what you will one day be, if you are faithful in preserving the grace of baptism."

All these exercises finished with a fervent act of contrition and love of God. Taking the crucifix which he wore upon his breast, he held it up so that all might see it, and exclaimed, "Behold how our sins have treated our great God and loving Father. See to what a plight He is reduced by our exceeding malice and His boundless love for us! Yes, it is for us that He died upon this cross;--for us that He was plunged in this abyss of ignominy and suffering!" These words were accompanied with such deep sighs and bitter tears, that the poor savages replied with sobs and cries that would have moved the hardest hearts. Finding them in the dispositions he wished, he taught them to say and repeat often these beautiful words: "O Jesus Christ, only Son of God, Thou art my Father, my Mother, my Treasure, my only Good! I love Thee with all my heart, and I am grieved beyond measure that I have offended Thee: yes, I love Thee with all my strength and with all my soul." Then, at length, looking upon them as true children of God, purified in the blood of the Lamb, he tenderly embraced them all.

He showed a heart so affectionate, and a countenance so loving and full of joy, that these poor slaves, delighted with his goodness, and animated by that new spirit which baptism gives, knew not what return to make for so much love. In order to show their consolation and joy, they raised their eyes to heaven, clapped their hands, and threw themselves on their knees at his feet, that they might kiss at least the border of his cassock. Each one uttered redoubled shouts of gladness, and in his own language and manner overwhelmed the father with a thousand blessings. Wherever they met him afterward, they always showed the same demonstrations of love and respect, and prostrating themselves on the ground called him their master, their protector, their father; never thinking that they did enough to express their gratitude. This labor alone would have sufficed to occupy several missioners; yet to Father Claver it was not the labor of every year, but of every week, and almost of everyday. At the arrival of each fresh cargo of Negroes he was obliged to recommence the same exercises, with the same care and renewed trouble; so that he often had but short intervals to devote to other labors.

The Opinion of Peter Claver's Sanctity

 

Such in general were the heroic virtues of which Father Claver was an example to Carthagena, during nearly forty years. By these means, in spite of all the contradictions and persecutions to which he was always exposed, he ultimately subdued the most envenomed hatred, and compelled the most abandoned licentiousness to respect him. These were the causes of his prodigious successes, and acquired for him the title of the Apostle of the West Indies. They enabled him to change a corrupt city into one of sanctity, where for some time the piety of the primitive Christians again nourished. By these he effected so many conversions and prodigies, that the whole country resounded with his praises. The opinion and esteem of his sanctity became so great and universal, that all orders, ranks, and ages, eagerly sought to testify their veneration, confidence, and tenderness for him. The bishops and grand vicars of Carthagena, when granting him the necessary powers for his apostolic functions, took pleasure in confiding their flocks to him. Prelates, who from time to time visited Carthagena, never failed to visit him and to beg his prayers for those souls of which they had charge. Generals of the army, officers of the navy, and all the most distinguished personages, visited him on their arrival. They undertook nothing of importance without asking his prayers, nor did they depart without bidding him farewell, and asking his blessing for a prosperous journey.

The governor of the town together with the nobility often came to recommend to his prayers the preservation of Carthagena and its inhabitants. Prelates and priests made it their duty to consult him in the most difficult cases of conscience, and received his decisions as oracles. Religious addressed themselves to him as to a model of the most accomplished virtue and perfection. Merchants would not embark without receiving his blessing, and on their return their first inquiry was after him. In a word, persons of every rank and condition had such a high opinion of his power with God and of the rectitude of his views, that they seldom undertook any important enterprise without asking the assistance of his prayers and advice. People ran to meet him, falling at his feet, and kissing his hands, nor would they leave him till they had obtained his blessing. Almighty God made use even of the innocent mouths of children to bear witness to the virtues of His servant. If they met him in the street, they crowded round him on their knees, kissing his hands, and saying, "Holy Father Claver, recommend us to God." A report had spread through the Indies, and especially at Lima, that God had revealed to a very holy person His determination of destroying Carthagena had it not been for the merits and prayers of its apostle. For several years after this, children might be heard singing in the streets, " For Claver's sake God has spared Carthagena."

The best testimony of sanctity is the evidence of the people with whom a man lives, for they are beyond suspicion, and they are usually the most difficult to satisfy. The most minute actions and slightest defects are observed. But the long residence of Father Claver in the college of Carthagena only served to confirm and augment the highest opinion of his sanctity. If to try the patience of His servant, God sometimes permitted him to experience the censures and contradictions of his own brethren, there was not one of them who did not soon regret the little persecutions they had made him suffer. Whilst they seemed to forget the respect due to him, the reverential sentiments of their heart completely contradicted the indiscreet expressions of their lips. His superiors frequently spoke of the wonders of his sanctity, and the praise and eagerness with which they wished to enlist his prayers caused infinite pain to his humility. They gave a very convincing proof of their estimate of his sanctity during a severe illness he had twenty years before his death. It was necessary to bleed him. The blood was carefully collected, and all the fathers of the house procured some drops on linen, which they kept with great respect.

To all these testimonies, so honorable to the memory of this apostle, may be added that of Don Pedro de Zapata, who had been twice governor of the whole province of Carthagena. In the juridical informations which he caused to be taken soon after the father's death, he attests, "So great and so universally diffused was the reputation of Father Claver's sanctity, that he was considered the column and support of the state. In a city where the Jesuits have had many enemies, never had anyone been found to speak ill of him. It was impossible for him to recollect all the virtues and heroic actions of which he himself had been the witness, nor all the miracles performed through his intercession ; but that all which he had seen and heard of him, equaled whatever is related of those who are recognized and honored as saints by the Catholic Church.

Canonization

 

After this brief narrative of the heroic life of St. Peter Claver, we deem it proper to conclude with a short account of the two great miracles which caused the Sacred Congregation of Rites on Nov. 1st, 1887, to canonize the Apostle of the Negroes. It is a pleasure to notice that both miracles, as well as those approved by Pius IX, on the 17th of Aug., 1848, happened in America. It seems that God was pleased to glorify his servant in an especial manner in that land in which he had so long labored for the propagation of the faith.

Barbara Dressen, who was the subject of the first miracle, was born at Treves in 1779. She emigrated to the United States, and after the death of her husband, lived at Milwaukee. At the age of seventy a small wart appeared on her right cheek. At first she considered it a trifle, but soon it began to increase and to assume a reddish color. She then consulted Doctor Bayer who at once pronounced it an incurable cancer which would inevitably cause her death. The unfortunate woman knowing that the doctor was a man of deep learning, lost all hope of recovery from natural means and placed her trust in heaven alone.

Father Weninger of the Society of Jesus, was at that time giving a mission in Milwaukee. He was propagating the devotion to the Blessed Peter Claver, chiefly by applying the relics to the bodies of the sick. Barbara came to him and requested him to apply the relics to her malady. She faithfully recited the prayers which he had enjoined on her, and during two or three years she noticed that the disease gradually disappeared, so that there was every hope of a complete cure.

But God, with a view of glorifying his servant, intended for her a still greater trial. Unexpectedly the evil returned, the wart changed into an ulcer, and the flow created successive scabs of an itching and most excruciating nature. For ten years she endured the most intense suffering, yet never did she omit for a single day her prayers to the Blessed Peter Claver. Her faith was soon to receive its reward. Father Weninger after ten years' absence, returned to Milwaukee, and one of his first visitors was Barbara. Feeling an increase of faith, she hastened to him, and told him the history of her ten years' martyrdom. "I see," said she, "the Saint alone can help--can relieve me." She then knelt and begged to be again blessed with the relics of Blessed Peter Claver. Father Weninger, moved with compassion, applied the relics, first to the diseased cheek, then to the forehead, and finally to the left cheek. All pain instantly ceased. Her joy was intense,--thanking the priest she hastened from the house. On reaching the open air, she found that she had been cured,--the wind did not as formerly irritate her cheek--small scales as fine dust, fell from her face, and before she had arrived home, all traces of the evil had disappeared. Those who had known her, were struck with amazement, and sealed their testimony by an oath. She was eighty-two years of age, when thus marvellously cured, June 29th, 1861. Five years afterward, the commission sent to interrogate her upon the miracle, was forced to acknowledge that the evil so miraculously expelled, had never reappeared.

The second miracle took place in St. Louis. In 1853 Ignatius Strecker had brought his family from Germany to the United States, and in 1861 he was working at St. Louis in a soap factory. One day he happened to strike his breast against an angular piece of iron. The shock was very violent, and although no exterior injury was apparent, the breastbone had been bruised. He suffered acute pains followed by a burning sensation and a swelling of the wounded part. And yet it was only after two years that he resolved to consult a physician. A large tumor had grown on the breast. He called in Doctor Heitzig, who immediately said that the bone was ulcerated. He had exhausted nearly all the resources of his medical skill, and at last after nine months he was forced to hold a consultation with his partner, Dr. Schoeneman. They did all in their power to check the ulceration which, by this time, had spread to three ribs of the left side. All remedies proved ineffectual to stop the progress of the evil, but rather complicated the maladies,--asthma, fever, a cough, suffocation, night sweats attacked the man in turns. He was so reduced that his skin was almost transparent. For two years had he endured all these sufferings, without one interval of rest. The doctors finally pronounced his case hopeless, and told him that he could not live beyond the 15th day. He then absolutely renounced all treatment and dismissed his physician.

His wife had heard Father Weninger preach upon the efficacy of recourse to Blessed Peter Claver, and she induced Strecker to have recourse to him. He went with great difficulty to the church where Father Weninger was applying the relics to a large number of sick. He was touched and blessed with the relics and his strong faith was soon rewarded. From that moment, the tumor ceased to flow, an indication that the ulceration had come to an end. In a few weeks, the wound healed, and all the accompanying evils, as well as the advanced symptoms of consumption, disappeared, so that shortly after his visit to the church, he had recovered his former vigor. He justly acknowledged that he owed this great favor to the intercession and merits of Blessed Peter Claver, whom God had wished once more to glorify. Dr. Schoeneman, who had despaired of his recovery, was greatly surprised at this unexpected cure ; and although not a Catholic, he regarded the fact as a manifestation of God's omnipotence.

On the canonical verification of these two miracles, the Sacred Congregation of Rites proclaimed on the 26th day of November, 1887, that the canonization of Blessed Peter Claver might be undertaken; and on the 15th of January, 1888, Leo XIII placed St. Claver upon the altar, together with his holy friend, Alonzo Rodriguez--thus uniting in glory those whom God had so intimately united here below.

 

 

O God, Who in order that wretched slaves might come to the knowledge of Thy Name, didst endow St. Peter Claver, Thy confessor, with wonderful self-denial and eminent charity: grant that, by virtue of his example, many souls may be inspired with compassion for the poor Negroes and may courageously devote themselves to their conversion. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen
 

St. Peter Claver: Pray for us,

O God, Who calling to the knowledge of Thy Name the Negro tribes sold into slavery, didst, in order that he might be a help to them, imbue blessed Peter with marvelous patience and charity: giving ear to his prayers, vouchsafe unto us to seek only the things which are of Jesus Christ, and thereby to love our neighbor in deed and in truth. Through the same Christ our Lord, Who with Thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, one God, world without end. R. Amen.