Confessor, founder of the Piarist Order, born Petralta, Aragon, 1556; died Rome, Italy, 1648. He studied law and theology, received the degree of Doctor of Laws; and was ordained in 1583. He became attached to Bishop della Figuera to whom he rendered invaluable service as secretary and theologian. Upon the death of the bishop, he journeyed to Rome, and as a member of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine he began his work of caring for and educating homeless children. In 1597 he established a free school, the first in Europe, and five years later founded the Order of Piarists to continue his charitable work. Canonized, 1767. Feast, Roman Calendar, August 27,.