Saint Peter Chanel

Also known as

• Peter Louis Mary Chanel
• Pierre-Louis-Marie Chanel

Memorial

• 28 April

Profile

Born to a peasant family, he was a shepherd as a boy. An excellent student. Ordained in 1827 at age 24. He was assigned to Crozet, a parish in decline; he turned it around, in part because of his ministry to the sick, and brought a spiritual revival. Joined the Society of Mary (Marist Fathers) in 1831. Taught at the Belley seminary for five years. Led a band of missionaries to the New Hebrides in 1836, an area where cannabilism had only recently been outlawed; he was the first Christian missionary on the island of Fortuna. He converted many, often as a result of his work with the sick. He learned the local language, and taught in the local school. Killed by order of Niuliki, a native priest-king who was jealous of Peter’s influence; the king’s own son and daughter had become Christians. First martyr in Oceania.

Born

• 12 July 1803 at Cuet, Ain, France as Peter Louis Mary Chanel

Died

• beaten to death with clubs on 28 April 1841 at Poi, Uvea, Fortuna Island, New Hebrides
• body hacked to pieces with hatchets and buried
• remains recovered and taken back to France in 1842
• relics returned to Fortuna Island in 1977

Venerated

• 25 November 1888 by Pope Leo XIII (decree of martyrdom)

Beatified

• 17 November 1889 by Pope Leo XIII

Canonized

• 12 June 1954 by Pope Pius XII

Patronage

• Oceania

Additional Information

• Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate
• Catholic Encyclopedia
• Hagiography Circle
• Institute of Saint Clement I Pope and Martyr
• Kirken i Norge
• Our Sunday Visitor’s Encyclopedia of Saints
• uCatholic

Readings

He loves us. He does what he teaches. He forgives his enemies. His teaching is good. - one of Saint Peter’s catechumens, explaining why he believed Peter’s teachings

MLA Citation

• “Saint Peter Chanel“. Saints.SQPN.com. 28 April 2013. Web. 24 May 2013. <>