Father Peter John De Smet
Book Description
Robert Carriker presents the remarkable story of a nineteenth-century Jesuit priest whose spiritual calling led him deep into the American frontier. Father Peter John De Smet emerges from these pages as a complex figure who found his truest purpose among the indigenous peoples of the West, earning the respectful title "Black Robe" as he traveled among the Potawatomis, Flatheads, Coeur d'Alenes, Kalispels, Blackfeet, and Yankton Sioux.
This biography reveals a man whose ministry extended far beyond traditional religious duties. De Smet possessed an extraordinary talent for fundraising, securing nearly a quarter million dollars during his lifetime to sustain the Jesuits' struggling western missions. His engaging travel writings captivated readers across religious boundaries, while his personal family resources helped bridge financial gaps that threatened missionary work.
Carriker portrays a priest who struggled with the constraints of community life, finding his spiritual home instead on the frontier trails. Whether navigating by canoe or riding a mule across vast landscapes, De Smet built a reputation as a trusted companion and peacemaker among diverse tribal communities until his death in 1873.
This portrait offers readers insight into how one individual's dedication to service and cross-cultural understanding shaped both his own spiritual journey and the lives of countless others during a pivotal period in American history.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)
📄 Length: 266 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Biography
- ✓ Explore BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY
- ✓ Explore Christian Ministry
- ✓ Explore RELIGION
- ✓ Explore Jesuits, missions
- ✓ Explore Frontier and pioneer life, west (u.s.)
- ✓ Explore Indians of North America
- ✓ Explore Religious
