Among the first companions of the Society of Jesus, Blessed Peter Favre is the least known. Most of the time, Saints Ignatius and Francis Xavier are easily recognized. But asking about Favre usually solicits only a blank expression.

I myself only got to know more about Blessed Peter Favre in the novitiate, when I was preparing for vows. I was looking for a vow name (usually the name of a Jesuit saint) when the name of Peter Favre came into mind. I was searching for someone who would serve as my guide in my Jesuit vocation when I felt a strong invitation to consider Favre. It was a kind of attraction that I could not resist. Perhaps it was his qualities and values, perhaps it was the many accounts about him in the many Jesuit writings, or perhaps it was just what I needed.

Peter Favre was a man filled with many Jesuit ideals and virtues. He was docile, intelligent, and generous. He was engaged in teaching Christian Theology, preaching Gospel Values, and giving the Spiritual Exercises. He was also a confessor, a counselor, and a spiritual director. Amidst the many qualities and traits of Favre, what stood out for me the most were his love for learning, his openness for mission, and his care for persons.

 

Born to a poor family in Savoy on April 13, 1506, Favre was endowed with such an extraordinary memory that he could hear a sermon in the morning and repeat it verbatim in the afternoon. Favre had a passion for learning, but when he was a child, he would cry himself to sleep at night because his family’s poverty made it impossible for him to go to school. His parents heard his sobs and tried to find ways to make his dreams come true. With the help of some of his relatives who were monks, Favre was able to go to a small school in 1516. He was then sent to La Roche to continue his studies and eventually to the University of Paris in 1525. It was in Paris in October 1529 when he met Ignatius of Loyola.

 

Favre’s love for learning did not stop with seeking knowledge. His love for learning led him to seek to God and what God desired for him. This gave his life direction. His knowledge made him a well-known theologian and Scripture scholar. He was sent on mission to teach in the different universities in Rome and in Germany. He was even selected as one of the delegates to the Council of Trent. His love for learning did not just imprison him in an ivory tower; it allowed him to reach out to people more. His knowledge of the Spiritual Exercises attracted a lot of young men to the Society of Jesus. Through his lectures and retreats, he was able to help young men see God’s call in their lives.

Favre’s openness for mission allowed him to be sent anywhere. He had no objections whether he was sent to Rome, asked to stay in Germany, or assigned to minister in Portugal. His openness to the Spirit was the source of the great humility which made him available for any mission.

 

His openness for mission made it possible for him to forego the glory of recognition, wealth, and prestige which his vast learning could give. His openness for mission led him to choose to serve God as a priest and embrace the Jesuit vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Even up to his death, this same openness for mission gave him the strength to totally surrender himself to God and to His plans.

 

Favre’s care and concern for persons marked the way he gave the Spiritual Exercises. This care for persons made it easier for people to approach him and open up to him, making him an effective spiritual director and retreat giver. He was always willing to help souls whether they were rich or poor. It was also this care for persons that endeared Favre to many Jesuits during his time.

Hours before professing my Jesuit vows last May 31, 2009, I kept on praying that I too be given Peter Favre’s gifts of love for learning, openness for mission, and care for persons. I have met many Peter Favres--Jesuits who showed love for learning, openness for mission and care for persons. These Jesuits have edified me and have helped me realize what the Jesuit vocation means. If not for them, perhaps, I would not be here. Perhaps I would still be searching for direction. Perhaps I would not have been able to give my yes to God and profess my vows as a Jesuit.

 

A year has passed since I professed my vows, and I find myself drawn more and more to Peter Favre’s person. As a Jesuit Scholastic, each day I continue to beg that I may be able to follow in his footsteps. I pray that as I continue my studies in Philosophy and serve in the apostolate assigned to me, I may be able to become more like him. I hope that like the older Jesuits before me, I may be able to grow more in my love for learning, openness for mission, and care for persons. Though there may be crests and troughs, with God’s grace, I can become more like Favre. 

Blessed Peter Favre, pray for me and for all of us searching for God.