Saint: St. Peter Claver

At this time in history, slavery was not considered to be an unjust treatment of people. So, many people tried to stop Peter. But, he kept up with his work. His bravery and dedication

Peter Claver was born in 1581. During his lifetime, he struggled to protect people that were treated unfairly. Peter tended to the sick slaves that were prisoners on these crowded and filthy boats. He listened to them and tried to calm their fears with knowledge of God. He did this by baptizing them and reminding them that God loved them.

They had no water for drinking or washing. The conditions were cruel and unsanitary. Many of them were sick. All of them were frightened and sad, wishing they could return to their homes and families in Africa. Instead, they were going to be sold as slaves. Their rights and freedom had been stolen from them. They were treated worse than animals, and Peter knew this was wrong. He was determined to find a way to help.

Fierce looking guards surrounded the ship, but Peter ignored his fear and proceeded up the ramp to the boat. The guards tried to stop him, but Peter went on board anyway. When he got inside, he was horrified. He couldn't believe how cramped the inside of the ship was. It was hot and filthy with low ceilings and dirty walls. The people were packed in so close they could barely move. They lay in filth with nothing to eat. Rats scurried among them and disease was rampant.

Peter Claver was a man with great determination and dedication. He knew he had to get aboard the slave ship to see for himself the abominable conditions that these people were forced to endure. He had heard how badly the African people were treated on the slave ships. They were brutally mistreated both physically and emotionally is still remembered today.

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
Grade 4, chapter 20

Connecting to Faith First®
Grade 4, chapter 20
Junior High, Liturgy and Morality, chapter 20