December 21 + Saint Peter Canisius

Peter Kanis – his name later Latinized to Canisius – was a priest, is a Doctor of the Church and an important figure in the Catholic counter-reformation that responded to the 16th century spread of Protestantism. His efforts as a preacher, author, and religious educator strengthened the Catholic faith in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and parts of Central Europe during a period of doctrinal confusion.

Born in the Netherlands in May 1521, Peter's father Jacob was a wealthy public official, but his mother Aegidia died soon after his birth. Peter began his university studies in Cologne around age 15 and obtained his master's degree before he turned 20.

Despite his father's preference that he should marry, Peter made a decision to remain celibate. He entered the Society of Jesus under the influence of Blessed Peter Faber, one of the first companions of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. He founded the first Jesuit house in Germany and became a priest in 1546.

Only one year after his ordination, Peter accompanied the Bishop of Augsburg to the Council of Trent as a theological adviser. He spent a portion of his time in Italy working directly with Ignatius, before leaving for Bavaria where he would serve as a university professor as well as a catechist and preacher.

Peter's evangelistic journeys took him to Prague, where he eventually founded a Jesuit school along with another in Bavaria, and later a third in Munich. The year 1555, in particular, was a landmark for Canisius: Ignatius promoted him to a leadership position within the order, which he held until 1569, and he published the first and longest version of his Catholic catechism. This work, and its two shorter adaptations, went through hundreds of printings and remained in use for centuries.

Involved in discussions with Protestants, Peter made a strong case for the Church by showing how the adherents of Protestantism could not agree with one another in matters of doctrine. Meanwhile, he maintained his commitment to religious instruction on the popular level – teaching children, giving retreats, and preaching carefully-crafted, doctrinally-rich sermons to large crowds.

A mystical experience convinced Peter that he should cease his travels and remain in Switzerland for the rest of his life. He spent his last years building up the Church in Fribourg through his preaching, teaching and writing.

At age 70, Peter suffered a near-fatal stroke, but he continued to preach and write with the aid of a secretary, until his death in his hometown of Nijmegen, Netherlands, on December 21, 1597.

In May of 1925, Peter Canisius was simultaneously canonized and declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius XI. In a famous saying, the Jesuit priest revealed the secret behind the accomplishments of his energetic and fruitful life: “If you have too much to do, with God's help, you will find time to do it all.”