St. Peter Faber was a Jesuit priest and one of the first companions of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Born in 1506 in France, he played a key role in the early foundation of the Society of Jesus. Known for his deep spirituality, commitment to missionary work, and tireless preaching, St. Peter was instrumental in spreading the Jesuit order’s mission across Europe. He died in 1546 and was known for his humility and devotion to God’s will.
St. Peter Faber was born in 1506 in the small village of Villaret in Savoy, a region that is now part of modern-day France. He came from a modest family, and his early education was in the local area, where he showed great promise as a student. His family, however, was not wealthy, and Peter had to work hard to gain access to further studies. His intellectual ability was evident even in his youth, and he was able to attend the University of Paris in 1525, where he began his formal training.
While at the University of Paris, Peter Faber encountered St. Ignatius of Loyola, who was also studying there at the time. The two men quickly became close friends and, in 1534, they, along with a few other companions, took a vow to devote themselves to the service of God, leading to the establishment of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). Faber was one of the first companions of St. Ignatius, and his strong commitment to the spiritual ideals of the order made him an essential part of its early development.
St. Peter Faber’s missionary work was extensive, and he played a significant role in spreading the teachings of the Jesuit order across Europe. He was known for his ability to preach and teach with deep conviction, touching the hearts of those he encountered. He traveled extensively, particularly in Germany and Italy, where he worked to strengthen the Catholic faith and encourage a deep relationship with God. Faber’s spiritual guidance was widely sought after, and he was known for his humility, selflessness, and profound prayer life.
One of the most notable aspects of St. Peter Faber’s ministry was his commitment to education and forming strong spiritual foundations in others. As a member of the Jesuit order, he was deeply committed to intellectual and spiritual formation, and his influence helped shape the educational system of the Jesuits. His desire to serve others through his preaching, spiritual direction, and tireless efforts to evangelize made him a beloved figure during his lifetime.
Faber’s work was not without challenges. In his travels, he faced opposition from both secular and religious forces, but his conviction never wavered. He continued to preach the Gospel and promote the ideals of the Society of Jesus, always encouraging those around him to live lives of virtue, humility, and devotion. Despite his success in spreading the teachings of the Jesuit order, Faber remained deeply humble and devoted to his calling.
St. Peter Faber’s life was cut short when he passed away in 1546, at the age of 40. Despite his young age, his contributions to the Catholic Church and the Jesuit order were immense. His death was deeply mourned by his fellow Jesuits, particularly St. Ignatius of Loyola, who had regarded him as a spiritual and intellectual companion. St. Peter Faber’s life and work are remembered with great reverence within the Jesuit community and the broader Catholic Church, and his feast day is celebrated on August 2.
His canonization was not formally pursued during his lifetime, as was the case with many other early Jesuit saints, but his legacy has been preserved through the deep respect and admiration of those who knew him. In 1923, St. Peter Faber was beatified by Pope Pius XI, and he was officially canonized by the Catholic Church in 2013. His feast day continues to be celebrated on August 2, and his example of humility, dedication to the Gospel, and commitment to spreading God’s love remains an inspiration to many Christians around the world.