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Saint Peter Chanel S.M.
(Credit : Ökumenisches Heiligenlexikon, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons0

Saint Peter Chanel was a Roman Catholic priest and missionary, who is known for his work in the Society of Mary, also known as the Marist Fathers. He is also known for being the patron saint of the island of Futuna in the Pacific Ocean.

Early Life and Vocation

Peter Chanel was born on July 12, 1803 , the fifth of eight children in a farming family with a small holding in south-western France.

One of the major events in Peter Chanel's life was his decision to become a missionary. In 1827, he joined the Society of Mary, a religious congregation dedicated to spreading the message of the Catholic Church throughout the world. He was ordained a priest in 1827 and was sent to the island of Futuna, in the Pacific Ocean, as a missionary in 1837.

Tough Mission

Peter Chanel's mission on Futuna was not easy. He was often confronted with violent opposition to his efforts to spread the message of Christianity. He was exposed to tropical illnesses that weakened his body and the island was inhabited by a pagan tribe who were hostile to Christianity. Despite this, Peter Chanel persevered and managed to convert many of the islanders to Christianity. He worked tirelessly to spread the message of the gospel. Chanel persevered and his faith and dedication earned him the respect of the people.

Death and Legacy

Peter Chanel's efforts on Futuna were cut short when he was martyred on April 28, 1841. He was killed by the islanders, who were angry that he had convinced many of them to convert to Christianity. Despite this, his legacy lived on, and the island of Futuna has remained a Catholic stronghold to this day.

Peter Chanel was canonized by Pope Pius XII on March 12, 1954. His feast day is celebrated on April 28, the anniversary of his martyrdom. Saint Peter Chanel is the patron saint of the island of Futuna, and also of missionaries, martyrs and the Society of Mary.

He was the first Marist Father to be martyred. He is considered the first martyr of Oceania. He was the first canonized saint from the Pacific islands.

Relics

St. Peter Chanel’s major relics, including his bones and fractured skull, are enshrined in St. Peter Chanel Basilica in Poi, Futuna.

Conversion of the murderer

The chief murderer of Peter Chanel, Musumusu was the leading warrior and son-in-law of King Niuliki on the island of Futuna. Despite his role in the murder, Musumusu eventually converted to Catholicism. He showed deep remorse for his past actions and, according to local tradition, requested that his body be buried outside the chapel holding St. Peter Chanel's relics. He asked to be buried under the path leading to the church, wanting visitors to walk over him as a sign of his deep repentance and humility. Today, the grave of Musumusu is located on the lawn outside the St. Peter Chanel Basilica in Poi.

Article by Catholic Time Staff