A French Marist priest, he went as a missionary to the island of Futuna in the South Pacific. When the chief's son sought baptism, enraged men killed him, and he became the first martyr of Oceania.
Life
Peter Chanel was born in 1803 to a farming family in eastern France. After ordination he served in parish ministry, then, longing to be a missionary, joined the Society of Mary (Marists).
In 1837 he arrived on the island of Futuna in the South Pacific, where he learned the local language, cared for the sick and preached the Gospel. Progress was slow, but gradually some sought baptism, among them the son of the island's king. Angered, the king had him killed on April 28, 1841. The first martyr of Oceania, he was canonized in 1954.
Spirituality
Peter Chanel's spirituality is patient missionary love. Even without visible results, he stayed with the people and served them. It is said that not long after his martyrdom many islanders embraced the faith; his sacrifice became a seed.
Reflection
Saint Peter Chanel sowed seeds without seeing the harvest. Do I keep praying and working for my family and neighbors with patience, even when progress seems slow?