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Farmer's son. Studied at the
University of Barcelona. Jesuit from age 20. Priest. Influenced by Saint
Alphonsus Rodriguez to become a missionary in America. Ministered,
physically and spiritually, to slaves when they arrived in Cartegena,
converting a reported 300,000, and working for humane treatment on the
plantations for 40 years. Organized charitable societies among the Spanish
in America similar to those organized in Europe by Saint Vincent de Paul.
Peter said of the slaves, "We must speak to them with our hands by giving,
before we try to speak to them with our lips."
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