St Peter Canisius, Teacher of the Faith

Peter Canisius was born on 8 May 1521 and became a Jesuit after meeting Peter Faber. He was a leading figure of the Catholic Reformation in Germany, where he is called the second apostle of Germany. He wrote a catechism that explained the faith in terms ordinary people could understand, and he helped found colleges and seminaries. Busy as he was, he often visited the sick and the imprisoned. He died in Nijmegen on 21 December 1597. His feast is December 21. Light a free candle for teachers and catechists. St Peter Canisius, pray for us.