Peter Chanel (1803-1841)

Although ST. PETER CHANEL was born in France, he is the patron saint of Oceania . . .

Peter Chanel

Feast Day: April 28
Canonized: June 12, 1954

Born near Cuet, France, Pierre Marie Chanel worked as a shepherd boy and attended a small parish school. He attracted the attention of a visiting priest and was placed in a church-sponsored school in Cras. After reading letters from missionaries, Chanel was drawn to the missions. Ordained in 1827, his application to join the Society of Mary (Marists) was denied.

He served as a parish priest until the Marists accepted his application in 1831. During his first five years, he served as spiritual director at the seminary. Once the order received formal approval by Pope Gregory XVI, they were asked to send missionaries to the South Pacific. Chanel was named superior to seven Marist missionaries who set out on Dec. 24, 1836, for a 10-month journey. Chanel settled on the Tongan island of Futuna.

While initially well-received, Chanel’s presence threatened King Niuliki, who felt the Christian faith would undermine his authority. When his son sought baptism, King Niuliki sent the warrior Musumusu to “do whatever was necessary.” Feigning injury, the warrior sought Chanel’s help, then used an axe to club Chanel to death. Eventually, most of the island converted to Catholicism. Peter Chanel is the patron of Oceania.

TIM DRAKE is Legatus magazine’s editorial assistant.