Roman Catholic Saint. A native of Spain, this young Jesuit left his home in 1610 to spend the rest of his life doing mission work in present-day Colombia, South America. He was ordained in 1616 in the port city of Cartagena. This city was a major port for the slave trade. An estimated ten thousand slaves from West Africa were brought through there annually. This young priest was so dedicated to the plight of the slaves that he would meet them, often running through the water to board the ship and provide medicine, food, and, with the help of interpreters, encouragement. During his ministry, it is thought that he ministered to over 300,000 slaves. At his death, the city fathers, who had often frowned upon his work, paid for a large funeral honoring him for his lifelong ministry. He was canonized in 1888. He is known as the "Slave of the Slaves" and the Patron Saint of Slaves." His feast day is celebrated on September 9.
Roman Catholic Saint. A native of Spain, this young Jesuit left his home in 1610 to spend the rest of his life doing mission work in present-day Colombia, South America. He was ordained in 1616 in the port city of Cartagena. This city was a major port for the slave trade. An estimated ten thousand slaves from West Africa were brought through there annually. This young priest was so dedicated to the plight of the slaves that he would meet them, often running through the water to board the ship and provide medicine, food, and, with the help of interpreters, encouragement. During his ministry, it is thought that he ministered to over 300,000 slaves. At his death, the city fathers, who had often frowned upon his work, paid for a large funeral honoring him for his lifelong ministry. He was canonized in 1888. He is known as the "Slave of the Slaves" and the Patron Saint of Slaves." His feast day is celebrated on September 9.
Bio by: Bigwoo
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