Sometimes I get caught up in trying to prove I’m right. I want to win an argument so badly that my message can’t get through. Logic is impressive, but an action is meaningful. Saint Peter Canisius shows us how openness, charity, and humility may be more important in winning the day than the most compelling prose. Believe what I do.
Peter Canisius lived at a time of great friction among Christians. The chasm between Protestants and Catholics had become violent and bitter, much like the factions in our society today. Possessing a brilliant mind that would gain him recognition as a Doctor of the Church, Peter ultimately won the respect of all sides through deeds.
Peter was one of the earliest members of the Jesuit order, instrumental in forming several colleges and universities, a major influence in the emergence of the Catholic press and author of Catechisms of the Catholic faith that could be embraced by common people and children. As importantly, Peter set an example for Christian living through his acts of caring for the sick and visiting prisoners even with demanding responsibilities and a hectic schedule. These actions broke down the polarizing attitudes of the day and left people open to his message. Peter engaged non-Catholics with openness and compassion.
“it is plainly wrong to meet non-Catholics with bitterness or to treat them with discourtesy. For this is nothing else than the reverse of Christ’s example because it breaks the bruised reed and quenches the smoking flax. We ought to instruct with meekness those whom heresy has made bitter and suspicious, and has estranged from orthodox Catholics, especially from our fellow Jesuits.
A tireless spirit, Peter is believed to have traveled over 20,000 miles on horseback and by foot during his lifetime. Peter once wrote, “If you have too much to do, with God’s help you will find time to do it all”.
His brilliance became evident at an early age when he authored books on Leo the Great and Saint Cyril that became quite popular. In 1547 he attended the Council of Trent and was instrumental in delivering the Council’s decrees to the eastern Bishops and throughout Germany. The decision to use Peter for the task came after an earlier attempt to deliver these volumes had ended in violence and theft. Peter was chosen because he was known to be respected.
His Catechism focused on three primary pillars, wisdom, justice, and the sacraments. The concepts of faith, hope, charity and performing good vs. evil were important messages for followers to comprehend in the combative tenor of the age.
Peter had deep faith in Catholicism and God’s intervention. “The fear of many people is greater than necessary because they look for human and not divine help: they act in despair instead of praying with holy confidence for the oppressed Church.”
Peter Canisius had many talents, but his ability to set an example of faith and love through his actions made him effective at breaking down barriers so his message could be heard. His efforts were instrumental in the Catholic Renewal and the conversion of many Protestants in Austria, Bavaria, and Bohemia. For all of his contributions, Peter became known as the Second Apostle of Germany for spreading the faith there in a manner rivaled only by Saint Boniface.
Peter Canisius stands as a shining example of a life well lived and well loved. He is a model for dealing effectively with polarizing times, like the world we live in today.
