A 17th-century Jesuit missionary who protected and advocated for the rights of African slaves in Colombia, earning him the title "Slave of the Slaves."
Known as the patron saint of enslaved people, the Republic of Colombia, and ministry to Africans, San Pedro Claver is a revered figure in the Catholic Church. During his 40-year ministry in the New Kingdom of Granada, he baptized around 300,000 people and heard the confessions of over 5,000 people per year, earning him the title "Apostle of the Slaves".
Born on June 26, 1580, in Verd, Spain, Claver was raised in a devoutly Catholic and prosperous farming family. As a student at the University of Barcelona, he was notable for his intelligence and piety, and it was during this time that he wrote in his notebook, "I must dedicate myself to the service of God until death, on the understanding that I am like a slave."
At the age of 20, Claver entered the Society of Jesus in Tarragona, where he completed the novitiate and was sent to study philosophy at Palma, Mallorca. It was here that he met the porter of the college, St. Alphonsus Rodriguez, a laybrother known for his holiness and gift of prophecy. Rodriguez prophesied that Claver was destined to spend his life in service in the colonies of New Spain, urging the young student to accept the calling.
In 1610, Claver arrived in Cartagena, New Granada (present-day Colombia), where he would spend the next 40 years of his life. During this time, he witnessed the brutal treatment of African slaves and dedicated himself to improving their lives. He would often sneak onto slave ships, bringing gifts of food, medicine, and clothing to the enslaved people, and teaching them about Christianity.
Claver's ministry was characterized by his conviction that all human beings are equal in the eyes of God. He believed that every person, regardless of race or social status, deserved to be treated with dignity and respect. His advocacy for the rights of enslaved people was ahead of its time, and his actions inspired a new wave of missionaries to follow in his footsteps.
The legacy of San Pedro Claver extends far beyond his own lifetime. In 1888, he was canonized a saint by Pope Leo XIII, and in 1985, Pope John Paul II declared him the patron saint of interracial justice and harmony. Today, he is celebrated as a hero of human rights, and his feast day, September 9, is commemorated as the National Day of Human Rights in Colombia.
The life and work of San Pedro Claver serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion, empathy, and human rights. His unwavering dedication to the enslaved people of New Granada has inspired generations of social justice advocates, and his legacy continues to inspire people around the world to work towards a more just and equitable society.
Born in 1491
Founded the Jesuit Order, a Catholic religious organization known for its missionary and educational work, and developed the Spiritual Exercises, a guide for spiritual growth and discernment.
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