St. Peter Chanel

St. Peter Chanel

Peter Chanel was born near Belley, France, in 1803. From the time he was seven, he took care of his father’s sheep. Though poor, he was intelligent and loved his faith, too. One day, a good parish priest met him. He thought so much of Peter that he asked his parents if he could educate the boy. In this priest’s little school, and later in the seminary, Peter studied hard.

When he became a priest in 1827, he was sent to a parish where just a few Catholics still practiced their faith. Father Peter was prayerful. He was kind and patient with everyone. In just three years there was a big improvement in his parish. Many people became full of love for Jesus and his Church again because of Father Peter’s help and example.

Father Peter had a great desire to become a missionary. He joined a religious order called the Marists. He hoped he would be sent to bring the Gospel to people who did not yet know about Jesus. After a few years, his wish came true. He and a group of Marist missionaries were sent to the islands of the South Pacific. Father Peter and one brother were assigned to the island of Futuna. There the people willingly listened to Father Peter preach about Jesus. “This man loves us,” one of the people said. “And he himself practices what he teaches us to do.” Unfortunately, the chief of this tribe was not happy with Father Peter’s preaching. When the chief found out that his own son wanted to be baptized, he was furious. He sent a band of his warriors to kill the missionary. All the priest said as he lay dying was, “It is well with me.” Father Peter Chanel was killed on April 28, 1841. Within a short time after his martyrdom, the whole island became Christian. Peter was declared a saint by Pope Pius XII in 1954.

  We are all called to spread the Gospel of Jesus, each in our own way. The example of St. Peter shows us that practicing kindness and patience is the best way to bring the love of Jesus to others.  We also celebrate the feast of St. Louis Mary de Montfort on this day.