Born in 1803 in France, Peter was ordained a priest in 1827. Because of his poor health, he was assigned to a parish in the healthiest climate of the Swiss mountains.
But Peter Chanel wanted to be a missionary. When he was 28, he learned of a new missionary order – the Marists – and he decided to join.
The society was entrusted with the evangelization of the Pacific Islands, and Peter was among the first 20 Marists sent there. He and one other priest were assigned to the volcanic island of Futuna, near Figi, where no Christian missionary had ever set foot. Cannibalism was still practiced there, and the island was torn by warring factions.
Chanel learned the native language and customs, and because of his work among the sick and dying, he began to gain the people’s trust.
But the tribal chief gradually felt threatened as more and more of his people put aside their idols for Christianity. When his son was baptized, the chief’s anger toward Chanel increased.
On this date in 1841, the chief sent a band of warriors who entered the hut of Fr. Chanel, and killed him with clubs and knives. But martyrdom brings its own grace, and within a few months the whole island was Christian.
Peter was canonized in 1954. He is the first martyr and patron of the South Seas.
The “I am” sayings of Jesus (there are over 30 of them) are one of the characteristics of John’s Gospel. We have an example in today’s passage when Jesus says, “I am the bread of life.” When Jesus speaks this way he isn’t talking about who he is like someone pointing to himself and bragging.) Rather he is describing what he does
• “I am the bread of life.
• “I am the light of the world.
• I am the good Shepherd.”
• I am the resurrection and the life.”
• I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
• I am the vine, you are the branches.”
When we recognize that Jesus is talking about his action upon us, these statements come alive with new meaning. He is the “bread of life” – not simply to be a real presence, but to act upon us, bring us health, strength, satisfy our deepest hungers. He is not simply standing there like a phenomenon to be admired. He is bread for me.
Take some time to go over the above statements, and hear him address each one to you personally. When you do that, they have a different ring to them.
Not only does it last forever, but here and now it fulfills my deepest needs.