St Peter Chanel was born on 12 July 1803 in France. He worked as a shepherd when he was a boy. The local priest noticed his kindness and his interest in reading, and encouraged him to study.
He became a priest in 1827 when he was 23.
He decided he wanted to be a missionary and spread God's word to people overseas. Eventually he travelled to the South pacific Islands in 1836 and went to Futuna Island. He learned the local language and set up a school.
He was loved by the locals for his kindness and care for the sick. They trusted him. However, the island's King Niuliki was jealous of Fr. Chanel's popularity and influence over his people. When the king's own son decided to become a Catholic, the king was so angry he sent warriors to kill Chanel.
Fr Peter Chanel was beaten to death with clubs, and chopped into pieces on 28 April 1841.
Within three years, everyone on the island had become Catholic.
Chanel was Oceania's first martyr. A martyr is someone who dies for what they believe in. He is the patron saint of Oceania (which includes New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific Islands.)
His feast day is 28 April and he was made a saint on 12 June 1954.
He is a model for Chanel members because he did what he taught – he loved people, forgave his enemies, cared for others and lived his life as Jesus did. St Peter Chanel's life also shows us that although we may not always achieve what we set out to do, if we stay true to what we believe is right, success will come in the end. We should not be defeated by our failures.
By Sophie Parker and Kody Clueard
