Peter Faber
- field
- Catholic priest, theologian
- nationality
- Savoyard
- known_for
- Co-founder of the Society of Jesus; first ordained among the founding Jesuits; spiritual director and preacher
Lore & Background
As a boy, he worked as a shepherd and had little education but a remarkable memory. Faber tutored Loyola in Aristotle's philosophy, while Loyola guided Faber in spiritual matters. Faber, Xavier, and Loyola became roommates and are all recognized as founders of the Society of Jesus. Faber was ordained a priest on 30 May 1534 and received religious vows with his companions at Montmartre on 15 August. Faber was sent to Parma, Piacenza, and later to Germany for the Diets of Worms and Ratisbon. He avoided theological debate, emphasizing personal reformation. He often invoked the intercession of saints and angels, especially guardian angels, when entering new towns.
Reader's Guide
Peter Faber's significance lies in his role as a co-founder of the Society of Jesus and as a model of spiritual direction and pastoral gentleness during the early Catholic Reformation. Unlike many controversialists of his era, Faber focused on personal reform and the guidance of souls rather than theological debate. His spiritual diary, the Memoriale, records his conversations with God and saints. His legacy endures as a patron of spiritual friendship and a pioneer of Jesuit spirituality.
Did You Know?
- Faber could hear a sermon in the morning and repeat it verbatim in the afternoon for his friends.
- He was the first among the small circle of men who formed the Society of Jesus to be ordained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Peter Faber?
Peter Faber was a Savoyard Catholic priest and theologian who co-founded the Society of Jesus in the mid-sixteenth century.
What was Peter Faber's role among the Jesuit founders?
He was the very first of the original group to receive priestly ordination, and he went on to serve as a spiritual director and preacher for the community.
Why is Peter Faber important in church history?
His partnership with Ignatius of Loyola and the other founding members was essential to establishing the Jesuit order, making him a key figure in the Catholic Counter-Reformation.
Where was Peter Faber from?
He was a native of Savoy, the Alpine region that straddles what is now the France-Italy border.
What was Peter Faber best known for beyond co-founding the Jesuits?
Within the early Society of Jesus he was especially recognized as a gifted spiritual director and a compelling preacher to both the order and the laity.
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