Saint Peter Chanel

Peter Chanel was born at Cluet, near Belley, France, in 1803. He was a shepherd in his youth, but his intelligence and simple piety brought him to the attention of the local priest, Father Trompier, who educated him. He entered the diocesan Seminary and was ordained in 1827.

After his ordination he was assigned to a rundown country parish in Crozet and completely revitalized it in the three years he was there by simply showing great devotion to the sick.

Peter wanted to be a missionary, so, in 1831, at the age of 28, he joined the newly formed Society of Mary (Marists). He obediently taught in the seminary at Belley for the next five years.

In 1836, Fr. Peter was appointed Superior of seven Marists missionaries sent to proclaim the Faith to the inhabitants of the New Hebrides in the Pacific Ocean. On reaching the islands the Bishop that was accompanying the missionaries left Fr. Peter and a brother on the Island of Futuna. The visit was supposed to last 6 months, but in reality lasted 5 years. Fr. Peter struggled with the unknown language, but mastered it, which enabled him to make the difficult adjustment to life with whalers, traders, and warring natives. Despite little apparent success and extreme want Fr. Peter maintained a serene, gentle spirit, endless patience, and courage. On April 28, 1841, 5 years after arriving, the chief's son asked to be baptized, which caused the chief to order Fr. Peter's death. He was surrounded in his hut and clubbed to death, his body cut to pieces. Within two years of his death the whole island became Catholic and has remained so since. Fr. Peter was canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1954. He is the first Marist martyr, as well as the first martyr of Oceania, and is also its patron saint. Saint Peter Chanel is an inspiration to anyone who has worked in loneliness, where great adaptation was required, and with little apparent success.


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