In 1992 the Vatican Post Office issued five stamps to commemorate the discovery and evangelization of the Americas. Among these stamps was one (Scott #899) commemorating the work of St. Peter Claver (1580-1654). Today his remains can be found in the Iglesia de San Pedro Claver in Cartagena Columbia.
Church facade
The church was first built between 1580 and 1654 and was dedicated to San Juan de Dios. It was later renamed for St. Peter Claver who worked among the poor of Cartagena, especially ministering to the African slaves who were brought there. Much of the facade stone came from the island of Tierrabomba which is considered the richest and most monumental art works of the city. The white altar marble was imported from Italy. The body of St. Peter Claver was moved two times and was finally placed under the main altar where it lies today. The dome of the church was constructed in 1921 and there are statues of various saints along the sides of the interior walls. The church has an organ similar to St. John Lateran in Rome.
Church Altar
Body of Saint Peter Claver Under The Main Church Altar
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Facts About St. Peter Claver:
- St. Peter Claver was a Spanish Jesuit priest who was known for his missionary work among the African slaves of Cartagena, Columbia,
- He was born on June 26, 1581, in Verdu, Catalonia, Spain, to a farming family.
- At age 20, he entered the Society of Jesus and studied at the University of Barcelona.
- In 1610, he was sent as a missionary to the New World, and he arrived in Cartagena, Colombia, in 1616
- Cartagena was a major slave-trading center, and St.Peter Claver dedicated his life to ministering to the African slaves who were brought there.
- He learned the language of the slaves, and would often meet them as they arrived in the port, offering them food, clothing, and medicine.
- He baptized more than 300,000 African slaves during his lifetime, often using pictures and gestures to communicate with them.
- St. Peter Claver spoke out against the mistreatment of the slaves and worked to improve their living conditions.
- He was known for his extreme humility and self-denial, and he lived a simple and austere life
- He was canonized by Pope Leo XIII in 1888 and is the patron saint of African missions and interracial justice.
- His feast day is celebrated on September 9th
- He is also the patron saint of Columbia and the city of Cartagena
- The house in Cartagena where he lived and ministered to the slaves in now a museum.
- St. Peter Claver is remembered for his compassion and devotion to the poorest and most marginalized members of society.
- His example continues to inspire people around the world to work for social justice and to care for those who are suffering.
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Church windows
References
• Iglesia de San PerdoClaver, Cartagena Wikipedia
All photographs are from the photo collection of Marvin Lanahan
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