Today, September 9, is the memorial of Saint Peter Claver.
Born in 1580, Peter came from a rich Catholic family in Verdu, Spain. He joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1601. When he was in Majorca studying philosophy, Claver was encouraged by St. Alphonsus Rodriguez, the doorkeeper of the college, to take part in the missions in America. Claver traveled to Cartagena, Colombia, where he was ordained.
Cartagena was one of two ports where slaves from Africa arrived to be sold in South America. Between the years 1616 and 1650, Peter ministered daily to the 10,000 slaves who arrived each year.
When a ship arrived, Peter first begged for fruits, biscuits, or sweets to bring to the slaves. He then went on board with translators to bring his gifts as well as his skills as a doctor and teacher.
Peter entered the holds of the ships and made sure everyone received care. He also taught the Catholic faith and baptized many. His reason for doing so: for slave owners to care for their fellow Christians.
He was hit by the plague later on. His last years saw him bedridden caused by his illness. A former slave who was assigned to care for Peter did the complete opposite. He mistreated the sick priest. Peter accepted all his patiently and humbly.
He died 1654. By this time he was considered a saint, and people flocked his room to pay respects. Upon his death, they took many items in that room for relics.
He was beatified by Blessed Pope Pius IX in 1850 and canonized by Pope Leo XIII in 1888.