We, the Redemptorist family celebrate the feast of Blessed Peter Donders to recall the wonderful works done for a particular section of people who were despised by society and their loved ones. Blessed Peter inspires us to care for the poor, destitute and marginalized of society.
Peter Donders was born in Tilburg, Holland, on 27 October 1809. He was a Dutch Redemptorist. At the age of 22, he entered St. Michael-Gestel Seminary. Ordained a priest on June 5, 1841, Donders set out for Paramaribo, Surinam, a Dutch colony. In 1856, he volunteered to minister to people with leprosy to serve in various missions in the Dutch colony of Surinam. He started working in the capital Paramaribo but is predominantly known for his work in and around the leper colony of Batavia, where he remained for the next 28 years. In 1866, he joined the Redemptorists, professing his vows on June 24, 1867.
Peter Donders died among his people with leprosy on January 14, 1887, and was beatified as an ‘Apostle of the Lepers’ by Pope John Paul II on May 23, 1982. The remains of Peter Donders are kept in Paramaribo.
(Do read the complete biography of Bl. Peter from the link below:
Prayer in Honor of Blessed Peter Donders
Healing God, you showed your wonderful mercy toward lepers through Blessed Peter Donders, your priest. By his example and prayers, may we serve you through our loving care for those in greatest need. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
