Saint Peter of Alcantara was from a noble family, with his father being a governor of Alcantara. He was a law student at Salamanca University. At the age of 16, he joined the discalced friars. Before being ordained as a priest, he was already named as the Superior. He was a very successful preacher.
Saint Peter has always practiced a life of penance which was quite apparent in his food and clothing choices. There was talk about reforming the Church but for Saint Peter the reform began with himself.
Peter was permitted to form a group of Franciscans who followed the Rule of St. Francis in 1554. By the end of the 19th century, the friars have joined with the discalced friars to form the Order of Friars Minor.
Saint Peter of Alcantara’s preaching allowed many people to join the religious life. He was canonized in 1669.
