APRIL 28 SAINT PETER CHANEL
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Peter Louis Mary Chanel
Pierre-Louis-Marie Chanel
Memorial
28 April
Profile
Born to a peasant family, he was a shepherd as a boy. An excellent student. Ordained in 1827 at age 24. He was assigned to Crozet, a parish in decline; he turned it around, in part because of his ministry to the sick, and brought a spiritual revival. Joined the Society of Mary (Marist Fathers) in 1831. Taught at the Belley seminary for five years. Led a band of missionaries to the New Hebrides in 1836, an area where cannabilism had only recently been outlawed; he was the first Christian missionary on the island of Fortuna. He converted many, often as a result of his work with the sick. He learned the local language, and taught in the local school. Killed by order of Niuliki, a native priest-king who was jealous of Peter’s influence; the king’s own son and daughter had become Christians. First martyr in Oceania.
Born
12 July 1803 at Cuet, Ain, France as Peter Louis Mary Chanel
Died
beaten to death with clubs on 28 April 1841 at Poi, Uvea, Fortuna Island, New Hebrides
body hacked to pieces with hatchets and buried
remains recovered and taken back to France in 1842
relics returned to Fortuna Island in 1977
Venerated
25 November 1888 by Pope Leo XIII (decree of martyrdom)
Beatified
16 November 1889 by Pope Leo XIII
Canonized
12 June 1954 by Pope Pius XII
Patronage
Australia
New Zealand
Oceania (proclaimed on 24 January 1947 by Pope Pius XII)