th 28The people April of Futuna missed Petelo, the man with a big heart; they were moved by his witness. A year later, when the Marists returned, the Futunians welcomed the Gospel. The life of Saint St Peter Chanel th Peter Chanel has borne much fruit. 26Little by little, April the example of Peter Chanel and During his lifetime, Saint Peter Chanel did not see Novena Marie Nizier, their perseverance in prayer and the the fruit of the gift of his life. Lord, increase in the celebration of the Eucharist bears fruit. The young hearts of the young the desire to give their life in people, including the king’s son, Meitalale, take an the way of Mary, and in the hearts of the elderly, a interest in the Gospel message. growing trust in their Marist vocation. Lord, by the example of Saint Peter Chanel, show us how to persevere in prayer and trust like Mary. Send young people to join us in this field where the harvest is rich but the labourers are few (Mt 9:37). th 27Peter Chanel April refuses to take part in the conflicts which tear apart the island of Futuna. King Niuliki and his family are afraid of losing their power if the people welcome the God of the Christians. On the 28th April, 1841, Peter Chanel was put to death by the son-in-law of the king. Before dying he said: “Male fuai”, It’s well...

Saint Peter Chanel left his country and gave his life for the inhabitants of Futuna. “It’s well” would be his last words. Lord, by the intercession of Saint Peter Chanel, give Marists the same generosity, and the desire to give of themselves in announcing the Gospel message.

Watercolors: Fr. Léopold Verguet (1817-1914) Marist missionary in Oceania in 1844-1847. nd 22In time, when April they had weathered the storms at Cape Horn, The Delphine reached Valparaiso on the coast of Chile. From the port, then on, as they resumed their voyage, the Marists faced an unchartered and immense ocean. Peter Chanel´s natal village, lies far away; all is new. th For us Marists too, living in the twenty-first th 24On the 12th April November 1837, after a voyage of century, everything is unchartered: the diverse Two months had passed since Peter Chanel and his eleven months, Peter Chanel and Brother Marie- 20 April society of large towns and the new possibilities of companions had become land-locked at Le Havre Nizier were left ashore on the Island of Funtuna social networks are like an unknown ocean. Lord, because of unfavourable winds. On the morning where they were made very welcome. Perhaps the by the intercession of Saint Peter Chanel, may we of the 24th December 1836, the three-masted words of the Gospel resonated in their ears, when confidently face this new world with open minds. ship, The Delphine, was able to leave the port of Jesus sent out his disciples before him and said to Le Havre en route for Oceania. Back in the town rd them: “When you enter the house, salute it, and if everyone was preparing for Christmas. the house deserves it, let your peace descend upon 23Having arrived April at Tahiti on the 21st of September it.” (Mt 10:12-13) Today, times are difficult for the Church on account 1837, the Marists were not made welcome by Queen Pomare IV, who was under the influence of of the abuses coming from within. Lord, among Today, men women and children give a great the Protestant British missionaries. The rivalries the unfavourable winds and the contradictions of welcome to the Gospel and to those who announce between the colonial powers and between the our lives, allow us to be attentive to a new birth, to it. Thank you, Lord, for the good fruits carried by Christian denominations was detrimental to the a new setting out. the mission of Marists throughout the world. spreading of the Gospel. st th These rivalries were diminishing the Church of 21Because ofApril problems with the ship’s rudder the 25Peter Chanel April and Marie-Nizier have everything Jesus Christ from within. Lord, by the intercession Delphine had to call in at Tenerife in the Canary to learn. They don’t speak the language of the of Saint Peter Chanel, the man with the big heart, Islands. Whilst ashore, Peter Chanel’s friend Claude country. They know nothing about the food, the free us from the spirit of rivalry and jealousy. Bret fell ill and subsequently died at sea on the 20th customs, or the social manners. As missionaries, March 1837. His death was a blow to the little group bearers of good news, they find themselves poor of Marist Missionaries. There used to be eight of and ignorant, relying on the good will of King them; now they would be no more than seven. Niuliki.

The Society of Mary, as we have known it and to Like Saint Peter Chanel, the one who heralds the which we ourselves are committed, is no longer the Gospel must learn from those to whom they are same. Lord, you who are the Way, the Truth and the sent. Lord, fill Marists with the desire to learn Life (Jn 14:6), grant that we may not lose hope when from the people to whom they are sent. in danger of death and when the future is uncertain.