St. Peter Canisius

Patron Saint of Catholic Press and Germany

After the Protestant Reformation, St. Peter Canisius used his role as a Jesuit priest to work for the renewal of the Catholic faith in Germany. He began his work by focusing on teaching and preaching. He founded some of the first German-speaking Jesuit colleges, hoping to increase access to education. He is also known as the 2nd Apostle to Germany because he extensively traveled the country preaching. To aid in his preaching and teaching, he developed a “German Catechism” to help clarify Catholic teachings in light of conflicting Protestant teachings. This pastoral strategy gained him much respect and admiration throughout the country. At a time when violence and hostility typically jeopardized the relations between Catholics and Protestants, St. Peter Canisius preached charity. St. Peter Canisius died in 1595. He is remembered as a Doctor of the Church for his great theological insights and work throughout Germany. “If you have too much to do, with God’s help you will find time to do it all.” -St. Peter Canisius