Peter Chanel, Priest and Martyr

Peter was the fifth child of Francis and Mary Ann Chanel, peasants living in Cluet, France. Mary Ann recognized that her son could perform great service to God and she dedicated him to Mary. His education was turned over to the priest in their parish who saw him through his elementary schooling. Peter then chose to enter the seminary where he was esteemed by both students and faculty. He later became a Marist missionary and was sent to Oceania where he was killed for his faith in 1841. Within months of his death, the entire island was converted to Christianity.

Peter probably did not expect to suffer martyrdom. That is true of most people today in a civilized world. And yet martyrdom still occurs in our times, even in some so-called civilized countries.