Peter Chanel was born near Belley, France in 1803. Since age seven, he was shepherding the flock of his father. Though poor, he was a child who is intelligent and pious. On one day, a kindly parish priest who met him. The priest was so impressed with the personal Chanel until he asked permission from her parents for permission to educate the child. Hearing this, how happy his parents. They were grateful that their children can receive education in schools. They handed it to the priest that his son good-hearted.At school, Chanel studies hard. Teacher admired his diligence and his friends. Brain intelligence honed. Over time the intention of his heart grew to become priests. He finally dared to enter the seminary. He also accepted. Education at the seminary went through without any difficulty. In addition to smart, Chanel is also known as a religious person. He was diligent in prayer and reading spiritual books.After his ordination as a priest, Father Chanel was assigned to a parish, where there are few Catholics who still live the faith. Father Chanel was a woman of prayer. He was kind and gentle to everyone. In just three years, major changes in the parish. Many people return to love Jesus and his Church with all my heart.At one point, his heart is not calm. He really wanted to be a missionary. Finally he decided to join the Fellowship Congregation of Our Lady (Missionaries, Missionaries of Mary). He hoped that the congregation sent him preach the gospel to those who still do not believe in Christ. A few years later his wish came true. In 1837 he shared a number of missionary Mary was sent to the Pacific Islands (Pacific). Father Chanel and a brother stationed in the island of Futuna. Arriving at Futuna, he learned the language and local customs so you can easily communicate with the locals. His attempt was unsuccessful. He can draw the attention of many residents there. Residents are happy to listen to the sermon Father Chanel. "This guy loves us," said one resident, "and he himself practice what he taught us."The success of Father Chanel unpopular with local leaders. They strongly opposed the proclamation that made Father Channel. Musumusu, one Futuna chieftain, became jealous of the success of it. He conducted the arrest and persecution action against those who follow the Christian faith. When his own son was baptized, he became very angry. In fact, he plans to kill the priest. He sent a squad of soldiers with an excuse to treat wounds the priest who happened to be injured.The priest welcomed them warmly. But caught off guard, they beat Father Chanel with clubs to death. While lay dying, Father Chanel just said, "I'm fine." Peter Chanel was killed on April 28, 1841. With their secretly buried the Father Chanel. They hope, with the death of the priest, also ended all activities spread the Christian faith. But God's plan for another. Calculation they missed because of the death of the priest would encourage Christians to defend his faith. Lapse of three years after the death of Father Chanel, the entire population of the island of Futuna has become a Christian. Similarly Musumusu also provide self-baptized to believe in Christ.Louis Peter Chanel became the first martyr of the Congregation of Our Lady. In fact, he also set as the first martyr in the Pacific. Pope Pius XII declared a saint in 1954. Church commemorate each April 28.
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