‘Slave of the Slaves’: St. Peter Claver Film to Premiere on EWTN
St. Peter Claver’s life is dramatized in a new docudrama titled "St. Peter Claver: Slave of the Slaves," set to premiere on EWTN. The film follows Claver from his childhood in Spain to his missionary work in Cartagena, Colombia, where he ministered to enslaved Africans. The narrative is framed by a clergy council meeting that examines the reasons for his canonization. The premiere coincides with the saint’s feast day on September 9, aiming to inspire viewers with his example of humility and compassion. The production emphasizes Claver’s childlike innocence and unwavering devotion, highlighted through scenes such as rescuing a bird and guiding a flock of sheep.
26 days ago
The EWTN docudrama St. Peter Claver: Slave of the Slaves will premiere in the United States and Canada on Sept. 9, the saint’s feast day. The Spanish-language film, presented with English subtitles, portrays Claver’s life and ministry among enslaved Africans in 17th-century Cartagena, Colombia. 1
The film uses a canonization inquiry as its narrative framework, with clergy examining the testimony and memories of people who knew Claver. From there, it follows his childhood in Spain, his decision to join the Society of Jesus, and his journey to Colombia. 1
In Cartagena, Claver encounters enslaved people arriving on ships and dedicates himself to serving them physically and spiritually. The film depicts him treating the sick, defending their human dignity, helping them in the slave market, and bringing many into the Catholic Church. He baptized more than 300,000 people during his lifetime. 1
The story also highlights Claver’s relationship with Jesuit lay brother Alphonsus Rodriguez, who served as an early mentor. Claver and Rodriguez were canonized together by Pope Leo XIII in 1888. 1
Director and screenwriter Pablo Burgos-Bosch uses close camera work to emphasize the actors’ expressions and place viewers directly within the dramatized scenes. The film includes sequences set aboard slave ships and in Cartagena’s slave markets. 1
The original score by Ivan Capillas accompanies the drama without dominating it, while religious melodies also appear. The production combines dramatized scenes with commentary from experts who discuss the historical period, Claver’s life, and the people connected to his ministry. 1
The reviewer describes the cast as effective in conveying empathy and religious conviction. The film is in Spanish, with English subtitles characterized as easy to follow, and is rated TV-PG. 1
The film presents Claver’s ministry through the themes of the Gospel’s Beatitudes, compassion, and practical service to people in distress. It emphasizes that Claver addressed both the bodily suffering and spiritual needs of the enslaved people he encountered. 1
Near the end, the Beatitudes are recited while Brother Álvaro Gutiérrez of the Jesuit Sanctuary of St. Peter Claver in Cartagena describes Claver’s compassion and attention to individual people. Sister Eva of the Sisters of St. Peter Claver attributes his work to his faith and his desire to act for God’s glory. 1
The film will premiere on EWTN television and EWTN+ in the United States and Canada on Sept. 9 at 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time. It is scheduled to air again on Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. Eastern Time, with additional broadcasts planned through EWTN’s international satellite services. 1
St. Peter Claver’s ministry to enslaved Africans exemplifies Catholic compassion
St. Peter Claver’s ministry vividly exemplifies Catholic compassion because he served enslaved Africans as whole persons—caring for their wounds, hunger, and illness while also proclaiming their dignity as beloved children of God. He met arriving ships, brought food and medicine, organized interpreters, catechized the enslaved, baptized them, and defended them against abuse.
His compassion was courageous and costly. Claver endured criticism from slave merchants and even fellow Christians who objected to his ministry, yet he called himself “the slave of the Negroes forever” and devoted nearly forty years to their service.
At the same time, his example should not be used to minimize the evil of the slave trade. Historical accounts acknowledge that missionaries often could alleviate slavery without being able to abolish it; Claver’s witness instead exposed the contradiction between Christian faith and treating human beings as property.
For the Church today, St. Peter Claver teaches that authentic evangelization unites proclamation of Christ with concrete defense of human dignity, especially among the oppressed. His ministry remains a call to recognize and resist contemporary forms of exploitation and human trafficking.