December 21, 2023 / 12:01 AM
Today, December 21, the Catholic Church commemorates Saint Peter Canisius, “The Second Apostle of Germany”, considered a pioneer of the Catholic press. He was part of the Company of Jesus, integrating the initial group that formed San Ignacio de Loyola. Pope Pius XI declared him a Doctor of the Church on May 21, 1925.
His given name was Pieter Kanis. He was born in Nijmegen, Netherlands, in 1521. He studied in Cologne (Germany) and at the age of 19 he obtained the title of “master of arts” – something very similar to the current baccalaureate. Then, in order to please his father, he began to study canon law.
However, after completing the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola under the direction of Father Pedro Fabro SJ, he felt attracted to religious life and asked to be admitted to the Company. Thus, Canisius took his vows and remained in Cologne, where he spent his first years of religious life.