St. Peter Canisius
Dutch Jesuit and theologian (1521-1597), of Nijmegen; first Dutch Jesuit, sent by St. Ignatius to lead the Society's mission in Germany during the Reformation crisis. Author of the immensely influential Catechism (1555, 200 editions in his lifetime), preacher at Augsburg and the Imperial diet, founder of the Innsbruck and Fribourg colleges. Doctor of the Church (1925).
Life & Times
Born: 1521 · Died: 1597 · From: Netherlands / Germany / Switzerland.
Patronage
St. Peter Canisius is invoked as the patron of catholic press, germany, catechists, students. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“If you have too much to do, with God's help you will find time to do it all.”— Letter to a fellow Jesuit, recorded in his correspondence (16th century)
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Devotional items honoring St. Peter Canisius, from our Sancta Lumina collection and beyond.
About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Peter Canisius, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.