What Is Peter Chanel the Patron Saint Of?

Peter Chanel is a Catholic saint who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He was born on July 12, 1803, in the small village of La Potière, France.

He was the fifth of eight children born to a peasant family. As a young boy, Peter showed an interest in religion and became an altar server at his local church.

Peter Chanel’s Journey to Becoming a Saint

As Peter grew older, he decided to become a priest and entered the seminary. After completing his studies, he was ordained as a priest on July 15, 1827. For the next ten years, he worked as a parish priest in various towns across France.

Missionary Work

In 1837, Peter joined the Society of Mary (also known as the Marists) and became a missionary. His first assignment was to go to the island of Futuna in the South Pacific. At that time, Futuna was an isolated island where Christianity had not yet been introduced.

Despite facing many challenges and difficulties, Peter continued his mission work on Futuna. He learned the local language and customs and gained the trust of the people there. He preached about Christianity and helped to establish schools and churches on the island.

Martyrdom

Unfortunately, Peter’s work on Futuna came to an abrupt end when a local chief became angry with him for baptizing some of his subjects without permission. On April 28, 1841, Peter was attacked by warriors sent by this chief and killed.

Peter Chanel is remembered today as the patron saint of Oceania because he was one of the first missionaries to bring Christianity to that region of the world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Peter Chanel’s life was dedicated to spreading the word of God and helping those in need. His selfless dedication to his mission work and his ultimate sacrifice have made him a beloved figure in the Catholic Church. As we remember Peter Chanel’s life, let us strive to follow in his footsteps and continue to spread love and hope throughout the world.