Peter Faber
Peter Faber was a Savoyard Catholic priest and theologian, and a co-founder of the Society of Jesus. He is remembered for his extensive travels throughout Europe promoting Catholic renewal and his skill in guiding others through the Spiritual Exercises. Pope Francis announced his canonization in 2013, recognizing his significant influence on the early Jesuit order.
- Feast Day
- August 2
- Century
- 16th century
- Country Or Region
- France
Key Facts
- ›He was born in 1506 to a peasant family in the village of Villaret, in the Duchy of Savoy.
- ›Faber met Ignatius of Loyola and Francis Xavier at the University of Paris, where they became close friends and co-founders of the Society of Jesus.
- ›He was ordained a priest on may 30, 1534, and received religious vows with his companions on August 15, 1534, at Montmartre.
- ›Faber was known for his preaching and teaching, and for his ability to revive Christian piety in various regions.
- ›He was appointed as a peritus (expert) for the Holy See at the Council of Trent in 1546.
- ›His diary, known as his Memoriale, provides insights into his spiritual life and conversations with God and saints.
Pierre Lefevre, Pierre Favre, Petrus Faber
About Peter Faber
Peter Faber (1506–1546) was a Savoyard Catholic priest and theologian, and a pivotal co-founder of the Society of Jesus, alongside Ignatius of Loyola and Francis Xavier. His life and ministry were dedicated to spiritual guidance and the promotion of Catholic renewal across Europe.
Early Life and Education
Born into a peasant family in Villaret, in the Duchy of Savoy, Faber spent his youth as a shepherd. Despite limited formal education, he possessed a remarkable memory. His early education was overseen by local clergy before he pursued higher studies in Paris, entering the Collège Sainte-Barbe. There, he shared lodgings with Francis Xavier and met Ignatius of Loyola, with whom he developed a profound spiritual relationship, tutored by Loyola in spiritual matters.
Jesuit Preacher and Missionary
Faber was the first of the founding group to be ordained a priest in 1534. He played a crucial role in gathering the companions in Venice and traveling to Rome, where the Society of Jesus was formally established. Faber became a highly effective itinerant preacher and teacher, undertaking extensive journeys on foot across Europe. He was known for his gentleness, his ability to engage in meaningful conversations, and his skill in guiding individuals through the Spiritual Exercises. He ministered in Germany, where he sought to reform the Catholic Church internally amidst the Protestant Reformation, and in Spain and Portugal, where he was instrumental in establishing the Jesuit order and fostering vocations.
Council of Trent and Death
In 1546, Faber was appointed as an expert (peritus) for the Holy See at the Council of Trent. Exhausted by his ceaseless travels and efforts, he fell ill with fever while traveling to Rome. He died on August 1, 1546, reportedly in the arms of Ignatius of Loyola. His remains are now interred in the Church of the Gesù in Rome.
Veneration and Legacy
Even during his lifetime, Faber was invoked as a saint by those who knew him. He was beatified on September 5, 1872. Pope Francis announced his canonization on December 17, 2013, recognizing his long-standing veneration and his exemplary life of spiritual dialogue and discernment. Faber is remembered for his profound friendships, his devotion to the Spiritual Exercises, and his gentle yet effective outreach to people from all walks of life. Numerous Jesuit communities and educational programs bear his name, continuing his legacy of spiritual guidance and service.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Peter Faber?
Peter Faber was a Savoyard Catholic priest, theologian, and one of the co-founders of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), alongside Ignatius of Loyola and Francis Xavier. He was born in 1506 and played a crucial role in the early development and expansion of the Jesuit order.
What is Peter Faber best known for?
He is chiefly remembered for his widespread missionary work throughout Europe, promoting Catholic piety and reform. Faber was also renowned for his exceptional ability in spiritual direction and guiding individuals through Ignatius of Loyola's Spiritual Exercises.
When was Peter Faber canonized?
Pope Francis announced the canonization of Peter Faber on December 17, 2013, using a process known as equipollent canonization, which recognizes individuals long venerated by the Church without standard judicial procedures.
What was Peter Faber's connection to Ignatius of Loyola and Francis Xavier?
Peter Faber met Ignatius of Loyola and Francis Xavier at the University of Paris. They became close friends and shared lodgings, eventually becoming co-founders of the Society of Jesus. Faber tutored Loyola in philosophy, while Loyola guided Faber in spiritual matters.
Where did Peter Faber undertake his missionary work?
Faber traveled extensively throughout Europe, including Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Italy. He worked to uphold the Catholic Church's position, revive Christian piety, and foster vocations to the clergy in these regions.
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