St Peter Chanel—Patron Saint of Oceania

Peter Chanel was born in 1803 into a poor family in France. He was sponsored through school and seminary by priests impressed by his intelligence and piety. Ordained in 1827, he ministered in parishes and as a seminary spiritual director. He joined the newly formed Society of Mary (Marist Fathers) in 1831. On 24 De-cember, he set out on mission with a group of Marists, arriv-ing eventually at the island of Fortuna on 8 November 1837. He learnt the language, taught in the school and tended the sick and dying, becoming known as “the man with the kind heart”. Despite many challenges and modest returns, he bap-tised a few locals. King Niuliki welcomed Peter at first until his son, Meitala, sought baptism. Feeling his status as high priest threatened, the King sent his son in law, Musumusu, to “rescue” Meitala. In the process, Musumusu clubbed Pe-ter to death on 28 April 1841. Eventually, most of Fortuna’s inhabitants converted to Catholicism, including Musumusu. Peter was canonised on 12 June 1954. He is Patron Saint of Oceania. His Feast Day is 28 April.