Saint Peter Faber

Biography

Saint Peter Faber, also known as the Apostle of Germany, Peter Fabre, Peter Favre, Petrus Faber, Pierre Favre, and Pierre Lefevre, was born on April 13, 1506, in Villaret, Savoy. He came from a humble farm family and spent his youth working as a shepherd. Despite his modest background, Peter showed early signs of his deep faith and love for God. Recognizing his potential, Peter was sent to Saint-Barbe College in Paris, France, where he entered in 1525. It was during this time that he began teaching catechism to other children, displaying his passion for spreading the teachings of the Catholic Church. In Paris, Peter Faber became friends with two influential figures who would greatly shape his life - Saint Francis Xavier and Saint Ignatius Loyola. Inspired by their zeal and determination, he joined Ignatius' early band of Jesuits on August 15, 1534, becoming one of the founding members of the Society of Jesus. After his ordination in 1534, Peter Faber embarked on a remarkable journey across Europe, carrying out missionary work and promoting Catholic reforms. His dedication to revitalizing the laity and reforming the clergy led him to participate in significant events such as the Diet of Worms in 1540 and the Diet of Ratisbon in 1541. Throughout his travels, Peter preached in various cities including Parma, Speyer, Mainz, Cologne, Savoy, Portugal, Lisbon, and Valladolid. His powerful preaching and teachings played a crucial role in combating Lutheranism and inspiring Catholics to deepen their faith. Saint Peter Faber's impact extended beyond his missionary work. he was a pivotal figure in the vocational discernment of Saint Peter Canisius, guiding him towards his calling in service of the Church. He also collaborated closely with Saint Francis Borgia, another prominent Jesuit, in their mutual efforts to spread the Gospel and promote spiritual renewal. Peter Faber's dedication and talents caught the attention of the Catholic Church, with numerous high-ranking officials recognizing his exceptional qualities. The pope intended to send him as the theologian of the Holy See to the Council of Trent, a significant council held to address the challenges presented by the Protestant Reformation. Additionally, Pope John III sought to appoint him as the Patriarch of Ethiopia. However, due to failing health, Peter had to decline both responsibilities. Despite these obstacles, Saint Peter Faber remained unwavering in his devotion to God and led a life steeped in faith. He cultivated a profound relationship with the angels, displaying a great devotion to them throughout his life. The record of Saint Peter Faber's extraordinary life and extensive work has been preserved through his diary. This valuable document provides insights into his tireless efforts to spread the Catholic faith, his encounters with notable figures of his time, and the challenges he faced on his journey. Saint Peter Faber passed away on August 1, 1546, in Rome, Italy, due to natural causes. In recognition of his exemplary life, Pope Leo XIII beatified him on September 5, 1872. Later, Pope Francis canonized him on December 17, 2013, bestowing upon him the highest honor within the Catholic Church. While Saint Peter Faber does not have a specific patronage, his life and works continue to inspire Catholics around the world. His story serves as a testament to the transformative power of faith and the impact one individual can have in reviving the Church and furthering the mission of Christ.