Born in Holland, St. Peter Canisius (May 8, 1521 – December 21, 1597) was a preacher, teacher, and writer throughout his whole life. At the age of 19, he received a master’s degree from the university at Cologne. Soon afterwards, St. Peter met Peter Faber, the first disciple of Ignatius of Loyola, who influenced him so much that he eventually joined the Society of Jesus.
St. Peter Canisius founded colleges and seminaries, served as a missionary, cared for the sick or imprisoned, and wrote close to eight volumes of letters – many about St. Cyril of Alexandria and St. Leo the Great.
A man blessed with many talents, St. Peter Canisius is a wonderful example of a man who developed his talents to further God’s work here on earth.
©LPi