St. Peter Claver

Patron Saint of Race Relations, Seafarers, and Colombia

St. Peter Claver was a Spanish missionary and member of the Society of Jesus. He lived from 1580 to 1654. After completing his university studies, he joined the Jesuits and volunteered to be sent to the New World. In what is now Colombia, Claver would go the wharf and minister to African slaves, who he saw as fellow Christians. In addition to ministering to slaves at the port, he would travel the country offering spiritual consolation to them. He also ministered to traders, tourists, and even condemned criminals in the New World. St. Peter Claver is the patron saint of race relations, seafarers, and Colombia.