The life of Peter Claver began in 1580 in the Verdu village in Spanish province of Catolonia(New Advent, 2009). Claver was born in humble background as his parents were poor. His parent were devoted Catholics. The parents ensured that Claver would learn the way of the church early in his life. After completing his learning at University of Barcelona, he enrolled at Jesuit College where he pursued a monastic course. He completed his studies in 1604 and was ordained to become a priest. In his first assignment as a priest he posted to Cartegena (Catholic Online, 2010). This was a major center for slavery business. This is where St. Claver found his calling.
Approximately, 10,000 slaves arrived to Spain through this port town, most of who were of African origin (Catholic Online, 2010). In his new environment, Claver was exposed to the injustices that people of African origin went through due to slavery. He noticed how these people arrived into the harbor hungry, weak and some of them sick. Calver was very touched and dedicated his life to helping the Negroid slaves.
Calver got used to rushing to the harbor whenever a slave ship was docking. He would take care of the sick slaves, feed the hungry and lavish the slave with love (New Advent, 2009). He would not forget to preach the gospel to the disillusioned souls. Most of the slaves were converted into Christianity. However, Calver did not stop there as he followed the slaves into the plantations to ensure that they continued to grow in Christianity.
Claver carried his noble course for 33 years. Claver’s life came to end in 1964. He died of Parkinson’s disease (Catholic Online, 2010). After learning of his death, people stomped into his room to pay their last respect. He was given a public funeral as order by the city’s magistrates. Due to his commitment to helping the slaves and African Americans, he was declared the “patron saint of slaves” after his death by Pope Leo the 13th.
Reference
Catholic Online (2010). “St. Peter Claver”. July 27, 2012.http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=94
New Advent (2009). St. Peter Claver”. July 27, 2012.http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11763a.htm
