Born in 1506 in Savoy (France), Peter Faver was a shepherd who pursued academic studies in Paris, where he met and became close friends of Saint Ignatius Loyola and Saint Francis Xavier. Saint Peter Faber was known for his gentle, humble approach to spiritual guidance, often guiding people through the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius, his extensive travels throughout Europe, and his work in education.
He died on August 1, 1546, in Rome. Although beatified in 1872, he was officially canonized by Pope Francis—who considers him a favorite saint—on December 17, 2013, through an "equipollent canonization".
He is considered Patron Saint of discernment, the Spiritual Exercises, and pastoral dialogue. Often associated with Catholic reformers and spiritual directors.
Though he died on August 1 (sometimes cited as the day of his commemoration in certain Jesuit contexts), the official feast day listed for the universal church and widely celebrated in the Jesuit order is August 2.
His tomb is here in the Jesuit Church (Church of the Gesu) in Rome, Italy.