Tart and tasty
A September soup to honor St. Peter Claver
A September soup to honor St. Peter Claver
St. Peter Claver was a light in the darkness for hundreds of thousands of human beings in the 17th century who were brought from Africa to the Americas. During his 40 years of ministry in Cartagena, Colombia, Peter Claver greeted the slaves with medicine and food, in particular, lemons. Lemons and other citrus fruits were vital after the long voyage across the Atlantic because they counteracted deadly and debilitating scurvy as well as other diseases.
St. Peter Claver was a light in the darkness for hundreds of thousands of human beings in the 17th century who were brought from Africa to the Americas. During his 40 years of ministry in Cartagena, Colombia, Peter Claver greeted the slaves with medicine and food, in particular, lemons. Lemons and other citrus fruits were vital after the long voyage across the Atlantic because they counteracted deadly and debilitating scurvy as well as other diseases.
The Church celebrates St. Peter Claver’s feast day on Sept. 9. He landed in Cartagena in 1610 as a missionary and was ordained there five years later. Powerless to stop the practice of slavery, Peter Claver immersed himself in caring for the people who were captured and forcibly brought there.
In addition to providing the basics of food and drink, Peter Claver's ministry to the slaves included prayer, baptizing and administering the sacraments. It is believed that 300,000 souls entered the Church during his time in Cartagena.
One of the simplest and most nutritious meals we can offer to our loved ones is a hearty soup. St. Peter Claver provided as much healthy food to the slaves as he was able, including a dose of fresh lemons to give tired bodies a burst of Vitamin C. September is a busy month for families as school is back in session and activities begin in earnest. Try this simple and delicious recipe to give your family an added boost of nutrition and a treat for the palate.
It’s sure to become a family favorite.
