What is Saint Peter Claver famous for?
St. Peter Claver (1581–1654) was born in Verdú, Spain, and entered the Society of Jesus in Barcelona at age 20. In 1610 he was sent to Cartagena, Colombia—then a major slave port—to minister to enslaved Africans. For over 40 years he met each arriving slave ship, offering food, medicine, and the sacraments. He baptized tens of thousands, treating every person with compassion and dignity as “Christ’s own.” Known as the “Apostle of the Blacks,” his tireless care for body and soul exemplified Gospel charity. Peter Claver’s life challenges us to recognize Christ in every human being and to work for justice and mercy.
Why Pray the St. Peter Claver Novena?
- To grow in charity and compassion
- To recognize the dignity of every human person
- To pray for justice and peace
- To seek a servant’s heart like Christ
- To pray for missionaries and evangelization
- To ask for strength to help the poor and suffering
- To entrust your personal intentions to God through St. Peter Claver
Who was St. Peter Claver?
St. Peter Claver was a Spanish Jesuit priest and missionary who served in Cartagena, Colombia. He dedicated his life to caring for enslaved Africans and proclaiming the Gospel with compassion and mercy.
Why is St. Peter Claver important?
He courageously defended the dignity of enslaved people during a time of great injustice, becoming a lasting example of Christian charity, humility, and service.
What is St. Peter Claver the patron saint of?
St. Peter Claver is the patron saint of missions to African peoples, Colombia, racial justice, and those working for human rights and social justice.
What can I pray for in the St. Peter Claver Novena?
You may pray for compassion, justice, stronger faith, the grace to serve others, peace, protection of human dignity, or any personal intention.
When should I pray the St. Peter Claver Novena?
You may pray the novena at any time during the year. Many Catholics begin it on August 31 so that it concludes on St. Peter Claver’s feast day, September 9.
How long is the St. Peter Claver Novena?
The novena is prayed for nine consecutive days, asking God to hear your prayers through the intercession of St. Peter Claver.
Can I pray the St. Peter Claver Novena for someone else?
Yes. You may offer the novena for your family, missionaries, those who are suffering, victims of injustice, or anyone in need of God’s mercy and compassion.
| Novena Begins: | August 31 |
| Feast Day: | September 9 |
Patron Saint of Slaves, Race Relations, Colombia, Ministry to African-Americans
Day 1 – St. Peter Claver Novena
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord, for love of You, St. Peter Claver became the faithful servant of enslaved people. Through his intercession, help us to recognize the true dignity of every human person as a child of the one Heavenly Father, and inspire us to devote ourselves to the salvation and service of others.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Peter Claver, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 2 – St. Peter Claver Novena
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord, for love of You, St. Peter Claver became the faithful servant of enslaved people. Through his intercession, help us to recognize the true dignity of every human person as a child of the one Heavenly Father, and inspire us to devote ourselves to the salvation and service of others.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Peter Claver, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 3 – St. Peter Claver Novena
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord, for love of You, St. Peter Claver became the faithful servant of enslaved people. Through his intercession, help us to recognize the true dignity of every human person as a child of the one Heavenly Father, and inspire us to devote ourselves to the salvation and service of others.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Peter Claver, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 4 – St. Peter Claver Novena
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord, for love of You, St. Peter Claver became the faithful servant of enslaved people. Through his intercession, help us to recognize the true dignity of every human person as a child of the one Heavenly Father, and inspire us to devote ourselves to the salvation and service of others.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Peter Claver, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 5 – St. Peter Claver Novena
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord, for love of You, St. Peter Claver became the faithful servant of enslaved people. Through his intercession, help us to recognize the true dignity of every human person as a child of the one Heavenly Father, and inspire us to devote ourselves to the salvation and service of others.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Peter Claver, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 6 – St. Peter Claver Novena
Day 7 – St. Peter Claver Novena
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord, for love of You, St. Peter Claver became the faithful servant of enslaved people. Through his intercession, help us to recognize the true dignity of every human person as a child of the one Heavenly Father, and inspire us to devote ourselves to the salvation and service of others.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Peter Claver, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 8 – St. Peter Claver Novena
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord, for love of You, St. Peter Claver became the faithful servant of enslaved people. Through his intercession, help us to recognize the true dignity of every human person as a child of the one Heavenly Father, and inspire us to devote ourselves to the salvation and service of others.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Peter Claver, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 9 – St. Peter Claver Novena
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord, for love of You, St. Peter Claver became the faithful servant of enslaved people. Through his intercession, help us to recognize the true dignity of every human person as a child of the one Heavenly Father, and inspire us to devote ourselves to the salvation and service of others.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Peter Claver, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…