In 1581, Peter Claver was born into a farmer family in the Spanish province of Catalonia. After completing his studies at the University of Barcelona, he became a novice Jesuit at twenty.

Alphonsus Rodriguez, an elder Jesuit lay brother, and Peter became friends while Peter was studying philosophy in Tarragona. Despite working as a doorkeeper during the day, Alphonsus possessed great spiritual insight and inspired Peter to become a missionary in the Spanish colonies.

In 1610, Peter Claver, a priest, came to Cartagena, a port city in modern-day Colombia. European colonies continued to import African slaves, who were frequently sold by their own rulers, to labor on plantations and in mines even after Pope Paul III repeatedly denounced slavery over the preceding century. The survivors of the ship voyage could anticipate being labored to death by their employers.

In keeping with his promise to become "the slave of the blacks forever," Peter was prepared to give up his freedom in order to provide the African slaves with material assistance and everlasting salvation. Despite the language barrier separating him from the people he served and his own health issues, which were exacerbated by Cartagena's tropical heat, the young priest made and adhered to this resolve.

In recognition of Claver's efforts, numerous Spanish Royal officials in Cartagena donated to the relief and religious education of the slaves. The priest and his translators, however, were a nuisance to the slave dealers. Meanwhile, several Spanish expats who sought out the priest due to his holy reputation declined to visit the same church or confessional as the African slaves.

Catholic truths were frequently illustrated by Claver using visual aids to minister to language-impaired individuals. In addition, he expressed affection and charity by providing food and drink to the sick employees and by paying them visits during their frequently fatal illnesses.

As part of his "slavery" vow, Peter lived off of extremely little food and rest. Miracles happened as a result of his life of humility and penance, such as the times he appeared surrounded by a supernatural light when visiting hospitals or healed the ill with the touch of his robe.

On September 8, 1654, St. Peter Claver passed away, ending his time as a missionary. Over 300,000 slaves had received baptisms from him and he had taught them the gospel throughout his forty years in Cartagena.

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