St. Pierre Chanel Day honors Saint Peter (Pierre) Chanel, the first martyr of Oceania and the patron saint of Oceania and missionary work. The day is especially significant in Wallis and Futuna, a French overseas collectivity in the South Pacific, where he was martyred in 1841.

When is St. Pierre Chanel Day?

St. Pierre Chanel Day is celebrated annually on April 28.

The following is the list of St. Pierre Chanel Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of St. Pierre Chanel Day?

Pierre Chanel was born on July 12, 1803 in Cuet, Ain, France. From a young age, Pierre Chanel expressed a strong desire to become a priest.

He was ordained in 1827 and served as a parish priest before joining the newly formed Society of Mary (Marists) in 1831.

In 1836, the Society of Mary was entrusted with missionary work in the South Pacific. Pierre Chanel was sent to Futuna, a small island in what is now Wallis and Futuna.

He arrived in 1837, along with a lay brother and others, to bring Christianity to the local population. Initially, Chanel faced suspicion and resistance from the island's inhabitants and leaders, particularly King Niuliki.

Through patience, kindness, and compassion, especially in caring for the sick, he slowly gained the trust of many. As some locals began converting to Christianity tensions escalated.

Fearing the loss of his power and the influence of the Christian faith, King Niuliki ordered Chanel's execution. Chanel was killed by a group of the king's men on April 28, 1841, becoming the first martyr of Oceania.

His martyrdom inspired widespread conversions on Futuna shortly after his death. Chanel was beatified in 1889 and canonized as a saint in 1954 by Pope Pius XII. He was declared Patron Saint of Oceania.

The Catholic Church set April 28, the date of his death, as his official feast day. St. Pierre Chanel Day serves as a reminder of self-sacrifice, compassion, and the peaceful spread of faith.