The Knights of Peter Claver, Inc. is the largest historically African-American Catholic lay organization in the United States. The Order is named for St. Peter Claver, the Spanish Priest who ministered to African slaves, and who was canonized in 1888 by Pope Leo XIII.  In 2006, a unit was established in San Andres, Colombia, South America. The Order was founded in Mobile, Alabama and is presently headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana. Click (here) to read about the Seven Founders of the Knights of Peter Claver order.

This venerable organization consists of six Divisions: Knights of Peter Claver, Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary, Junior Knights, Junior Daughters, 4th Degree Knights and Ladies of Grace. The Order is governed by a Board of Directors and is under the leadership of the Supreme Knight and Supreme Lady, KPCLA. The Order is operated under the direction of the Executive Director and his staff.

The Knights of Peter Claver is divided into six regional Districts and States across the country. Each district or state is represented by a Deputy and other conference officers. Districts, States, and other Divisions are represented on the Board of Directors.

Our Patron: St. Peter Claver

St. Peter Claver was born into a wealthy and devout Catholic family.  Noted for his intelligence and piety, he chose to use his blessings to minister to the enslaved rather than to live a life of material and financial prosperity.  Many church and municipal authorities strongly opposed his chosen mission of minister to the spiritual, physical, and mental needs of the enslaved. However, we worked tirelessly to care for the sick, the dying, and the enslaved. He died in 1654

Knights of Peter Claver at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament

Our local members of the Knights of Peter Claver are very active and engaged in parish life at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish. Meetings are held regularly. For all those who are interested in membership, please contact our Parish Office. 

SENIOR NATIONAL CONVENTIONS AND CONCLAVES

In 2022 the 106th Annual Senior National Convention and Conclave was held July 15-20, 2022 at the Westin Lombard Hotel in Chicago, IL. Click (here) to view a replay of the National Convention Mass from the event. Mark your calendar for the 2023 107th Annual Senior National Convention and Conclave to be held July 14-19 in New Orleans, LA. 

Knights of Saint Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Court 144

1. We are Ladies who are young and yearning, wise and seasoned, vivacious and vibrant, studious and stunning, bold and bodacious, awesome and awe-inspiring, dedicated and determined.
2. We are strong, proud and independent women willing to be of service to Our Noble Order.
3. We are wives, mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends with a common goal of Faith, Unity, and Christian Charity.
4. We are Ladies with our own unique identities who possess self-confidence, integrity, and the courage to express our opinions.
5. We are Ladies willing to ensure the continuation of Our Noble Order for another 100 years.