Peter Claver was born in Spain in 1581. He joined the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits. In 1610, he moved to Cartagena, in South America. He wanted to be a missionary. In 1610, he became a priest.
Cartagena was a place slaves were taken to from Africa. Many slaves died in ships on the trip. Father Claver wanted to help the slaves when the ships came in. He gave them food and medicine. He would tell the slaves of God’s love. It was hot, hard work. He helped 300,000 people in 40 years. The slave owners didn’t like Father Claver’s help. He helped them anyway. Father Claver thought God would bless all His people. He even asked the owners to be better Christians.
Father Claver became ill and died September 8, 1654. He became a saint in 1888. He is the patron saint of black slaves.
Lesson plans for Peter Claver.