Peter Chanel

Saint Peter Chanel

Also known as
Peter Louis Mary Chanel
Pierre-Louis-Marie Chanel

memorial
28 April

Profile

Our saint today was born to poor peasants and was a shepherd as a boy. He was very bright and the antithesis of Joseph of Cupertino; an excellent student. The church recognized this and steered Pete to a religious education his peasant status notwithstanding.

He was ordained at age 24. His first assignment was to a parish in decline; he turned it around, in part because of his ministry to the sick, and brought a spiritual revival.

Eventually he led a band of missionaries to the New Hebrides in 1836, an area where cannibalism had only recently been outlawed.

He converted many, often as a result of his work with the sick. He learned the local language, and taught in the local school.

Eventually, Peter was ordered killed by Niuliki, a native king who was jealous of Peter's influence particularly over his own son who converted and was baptized by our saint. As Peter was being clubbed he said that “It was well for me that you do this thing.” After all this, his lifeless bodine was hacked to pieces with hatchets. His brave martyrdom was inspirational to many and resulted in the conversion of the entire population and the forcible ouster of Niuliki. His son was a better ruler.

Born
12 July 1803

Patronage
Oceania
World Youth Day