Born in 1803 at Clet Belley, France. Fr. Trompier, the local priest was aware of his intelligence and piety and saw to his elementary education. He entered the diocesan seminary where both professors and students held him in affection and esteem. He was pastor to a rundown parish which, in three years, he completely revitalized. He wanted to be a missionary, so he joined the Society of Mary (Marists) which were newly-formed and concentrated on missionary work at home and abroad. He was appointed to teach at the Seminary, to his dismay. He was there for the next 5 years. In 1836 the Society went to the New Hebrides in the Pacific to evangelize it, and St. Peter was appointed superior. After a ten-month journey, the little band of missionaries arrived and split up. Peter, a lay brother, and an English layman went to the island of Futuna. The pagans and their king welcomed them. The king had only recently forbidden cannabalism. But soon the King became jealous when the missionaries learned the language, and they were instructing them about Christianity. He feared some of his prerogatives would be abolished. When his own son asked to be baptized, the king sent his warriors to kill St. Peter. On April 28, 1841 he was clubbed to death. But, within 10 months the entire island was converted to Christianity, which brought his work to completion.
FEAST DAY: April 28
MEDALS
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.
QUIZ
Yesterday’s Answer
(a) The empty tomb
Today’s Question
What images in John’s Gospel shows Christ as the one who gathers, watches over and protects his people?
(a) the good shepherd (b) the vine and the branches (c) the bread of life
