(FEAST DAY; 28TH APRIL)
PRIEST AND MARTYR
St. Peter Chanel was born in Clet in the diocese of Belley, France, on 12th July, 1803. He became a diocesan priest and in three years completely revitalized the first parish to which he was assigned.
Since his mind was set on missionary work, peter joined the newly formed society of Mary (Marists) in 1831 which concentrated on missionary work at home and abroad. To his dismay, he was appointed to teach at the seminary of Belley where he was performing his duties diligently for five years.
Furthermore, in 1836, peter was sent to the New Hebrides as superior of a little band of missionaries sent to proclaim the faith to its inhabitants. After a long and arduous Ten-month journey, the band split up, peter was accompanied by a lay brother and an (English layman, Thomas Boog) to evangelize the island of Futuna. Peter and his two assistants made headway in converting the island’s populace. But the king (Niuliki) out of his jealousy and fear that the missionaries gained the people’s confidence and realized that the adaptation of the Christian faith would lead to the abolition of some of the prerogatives he gained as both high priest and sovereign. Considering also that his son was even attracted to the Christian faith. As a result, the king dispatched a group of warriors to set upon the saintly head of the missionaries.
On April 28, 1841, three years after his arrival, peter was seized and clubbed to death by those he had come to save. And his death brought his work to completion-within five months the entire islan was converted to the faith. Peter was canonized on 12th June, 1954 by pope Pius xii.St. Peter Chanel is recognized as the protomartyr and patron saint of Oceania.
LESSONS;
Prompt response to divine call (St. Peter Chanel left his homeland to proclaim Jesus, the savior of the world). Leading a holy and exemplary life because we might be the bible others are reading. (St. Peter Chanel was able to convert people by his preaching but most especially he achieved this by his life style).
In everything we do, we should always seek the face of God.We should be always ready to die for the sake of the Gospel of Christ.