9 September 2021
Memorial of Saint Peter Claver, Priest
“Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words,” is a phrase famously attributed to St. Francis of Assisi. These words describe very well the life of another great saint which the Church commemorates today, St. Peter Claver.
Born in the late 16th century to a wealthy family in Spain, the saint would join the Jesuits and travel to Cartagena in present-day Colombia where he would dedicate his life to the care and well-being of enslaved people.
Today’s gospel exhorts us to love unconditionally be it friend or fore. Without necessarily speaking the same language, Peter Claver was able to communicate this gospel message to all those he walked with.
May our actions today and everyday preach the Gospel to all those that we encounter.
St. Peter Claver, pray for us!