1521–1597
Saint Peter Canisius, 1521–1597
December 21
Saint Peter Canisius lived when Protestants and Catholics were fighting each other. Peter knew that Jesus told us that we must love all people. We must even love people who are our enemies. Saint Peter wrote books explaining Catholic teaching. He said that we need to explain what we believe, but we must never be mean to people who don’t believe the same things. Instead, we must listen to them and live with them in love. Saint Peter also loved Mary very much. He often prayed "the Hail Mary."
Discuss: How can you love someone you don’t like?
Peter Canisius is a patron Saint of Germany and the Catholic press. He was a Jesuit priest, and is called an “Apostle of Germany” because he convinced many Catholics in the country to remain with the Church when Germany almost became entirely Protestant. Saint Peter Canisius is considered a Doctor of the Church because his many writings greatly influenced Church teaching. He established many Jesuit colleges in Germany.
Activity
Hail Mary
Visual/Spatial
Remind your child that praying the Hail Mary is one way that we honor Mary. Encourage him/her to pray this prayer whenever the intercession of Mary would be especially welcome.