The Knights of Peter Claver, Inc. is the largest historically African-American Catholic lay organization in the world. The Order was founded in Mobile, Alabama and is presently headquartered in New Orleans.
Our purpose is to render service to God and His Holy Church, render aid and assistance to the sick and disabled, and promote social and intellectual association among our members.
The Order is named for St. Peter Claver, the Spanish priest who ministered to African slaves in the 17th century. In 2006, a unit was established in San Andres, Colombia, South America.
The Order is governed by a Board of Directors and is under the leadership of the Supreme Knight. The Order is operated under the direction of the Executive Director and his staff.
We are divided into six 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 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.
Our Junior Division welcomes Catholic youth between the ages of 7-18. They are organized using the same structure of the Senior Division. There is a Junior Supreme Knight, Junior Supreme Lady, along with Junior District or State Presidents and Officers. Interested youth must have made their First Holy Communion.