St. Peter de Betancur
1626-1667
The son of a poor
family of the Canary Islands, Peter de Betancur in his youth worked as a shepherd, finding in
nature an incentive to prayer. Intent to serve the poor in the New World, he embarked on an arduous journey to Guatemala that ultimately left him penniless. In Guatemala City, Peter entered a Jesuit
college through the assistance of a Franciscan friar, but soon left after failing in his studies. The
friar then invited Peter to become a Franciscan brother, but the young
man declined, feeling that
God willed for him to remain in the world. Instead, Peter became a Third Order Franciscan, devoting himself to the service of African slaves, Native Americans, and other needy individuals. As a penance, each night he went out to carry a heavy cross through the streets. Peter later founded a congregation for the care of the poor, the Bethlehemite Brothers and Sisters. Deeply devoted to the
Christ Child, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the relief of the souls in purgatory, Peter was a promoter of the Franciscans’
rosary of the Seven Joys of Mary, and instituted a weekly
rosary procession in Guatemala City. He died on April 25, 1667.
© Magnificat 2006
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