Homily: Feast of Peter Chanel
Feast of Peter Chanel (2022)
The nineteenth century was a time of great missionary activity in the church. Religious from various orders traveled to foreign lands to spread Christianity. The prospect of returning home was not always promising. There was such a pessimism about the survival of missionaries that some even had their funerals before they left Europe.
One of the great missionaries of Oceana was Peter Chanel. He was born of a peasant family in a small village in eastern France. He impressed his parish priest with his piety and intelligence. He was encouraged to study for the priesthood. He was a diocesan priest at the beginning of his priestly life, but then he joined the Society of Mary (the Marists).
Peter wanted to be a missionary. At first, he was kept in administrative work, but then he was able to convince his superiors to send him to the South Pacific. His superiors had little knowledge of this part of the world. Peter landed where the winds blew him and began his work. He came to the island of Futuna between Fiji and French Samoa. The missionaries received a friendly welcome.
But when the chief’s son asked to be baptized, he became enraged, and he sent a group of warriors to kill Peter. He was clubbed, then killed with an ax. His body was then cut up and disposed of.
It is often said that the church was born from the blood of the martyrs. This was the case in Futuna. Within a year after Peter Chanel’s death, the entire island had been converted to Christianity. When people are willing to die for a cause, it is the ultimate endorsement of that cause.
Peter Chanel left his home, and he was willing to give his very life to spread the Gospel. This left a lasting impression in Oceana.
A Christian Martyr is one, who like Christ, is a witness to God’s love, and brings out of the human heart the good or evil that is already there.
Reflection Question
- Who is the Christian martyr that is most impressive to me? Why?
- Have I known someone I consider a martyr? Who?
Dear Parishioner,
Tonight, we will have a Blessing Cup ceremony. Each First Communicant has made a ceramic cup that they have decorated. This cup can be used at family meals and can be shared with others. Special prayers are said, and the cup is passed around. It may be used on birthdays or meals celebrating other sacramental celebrations.
It is a keepsake that a child can have in their room to remind them of their First Communion. It can be kept for life like one’s baptismal candle or a wedding gown.
Please pray for our First Communicants as they have their special day.
May our Lady of Peace pray for our troubled world.
Fr. Mark