PIETER KANIS - ST. PETER CANISIUS

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PICTURED LEFT: St. Peter Canisius, circa 1590  

Pieter Kanis was a renowned Dutch Jesuit Catholic priest. Born on May 8, 1521, he became known for his strong support for the Catholic faith during the Protestant Reformation in Germany, Austria, Bohemia, Moravia, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.  

The restoration of the Catholic Church in Germany after the Protestant Reformation is largely attributed to the work there of the Society of Jesus, which he led. He is venerated in the Catholic Church as a saint and as a Doctor of the Church.  

Peter Kanis died on December 21, 1597. He was beatified by Pope Pius IX in the year 1864 canonized as his latinized name of Peter Canisius. He was declared a Doctor of the Church on May 21,1925 by Pope Pius XI. His feast day was included in the German Roman Calendar in 1926 for celebration on April 27. However, in the liturgical reform of 1969, it was moved to December 21, the anniversary of his death, this being normal day for celebrating a saint's entry into heaven. The Society of Jesus however, still celebrates his feast day as April 27.  

- Tom Kanis