St. Peter Chanel

A young priest in southern France, and successful in turning around his first parish, Peter Chanel was not satisfied and longed for a more adventurous life as a missionary. His dream was fulfilled when he joined the newly formed Society of Mary (Marist Fathers) but only after five years of teaching at the Seminary in Belley. At last in 1836, just after official approval of the new Society, he set sail for New Hebrides as the superior of a group of missionaries, including some of Father Champagnat's Little Brothers of Mary. Peter took half the group to the island of Futuna and labored there for three years with enough results to incur the ire of the King, whose son had become a convert to Catholicism. Peter was clubbed to death on this date in 1841, but in the old time-proven formula, his blood became the seed of faith; in five months, the whole island had become Catholic. Peter Chanel became the first Marist saint when canonized in 1954 by Pope Pius XII. The people of Futuna, Tonga and other islands in the South Pacific remain strong in their faith even today, thanks to the sacrifice and efforts of St. Peter and his companions.

As you read this, Marist Brothers continue to live out the missionary zeal exhibited by our "cousin", St. Peter Chanel in what we call our Mission Ad Gentes program. Brothers from all over the world have entered Bangledesh, Indonesia and China to "make Jesus known and loved." Already they are meeting with great success and many have been converted. Not only converted, but several are seeking to become Marist Brothers! May we make a special effort this day to pray for our Marist Family as it seeks to live up to its mission.
Bro. Rene