Saint16th–17th century · Feast September 9

St Peter Claver

Also known as Pedro Claver Corberó, Slave of the enslaved, Saint Peter Claver

Priest

Jesuit

Servant of enslaved people

A Jesuit priest in Cartagena who met ships carrying enslaved Africans and offered food, care, advocacy and sacramental ministry.

A note on content. This profile is a prototype draft. Devotional traditions, historical facts and uncertain traditions will be clearly identified once entries are reviewed. We do not publish invented quotations.

The story of their life

A Jesuit priest in Cartagena who met ships carrying enslaved Africans and offered food, care, advocacy and sacramental ministry. Cartagena was a major transatlantic slave-trade port. Peter served victims of this system but did not end the institution itself.

Historical context

Cartagena was a major transatlantic slave-trade port. Peter served victims of this system but did not end the institution itself.

Defining moments

Joining the Jesuits
Arriving in Cartagena
Meeting newly arrived enslaved Africans
Organising interpreters and supplies
Advocating for humane treatment

Faith and spirituality

Solidarity through presence, practical service and repentance for racial injustice.

Why this saint matters today

A companion for anti-trafficking workers, racial-justice advocates and people serving migrants or survivors of forced labour.

Patronage and intercession

People turn to St Peter Claver in matters of:

Enslaved people

Human-rights workers

Colombia

A prayer

God of grace, through the intercession of St Peter Claver, guide us in truth, courage and love. Amen.

Timeline

Sources and further reading

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints.html
https://www.liturgyoffice.org.uk/Calendar/

Source-quality status: unverified prototype