In Loving Memory of Father Peter Gyves, SJ, MD.
Fr. Peter W. Gyves, SJ, MD founded A Faith That Does Justice in 2015 to offer to others the experience of self-transformation and transcendence that comes from living beyond oneself and on behalf of others. Father Peter served as Director, President and Executive Director of A Faith Does Justice from its founding until his death in August 2024.
Father Peter’s Story
Father Peter entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) after he was inspired by his experience in El Salvador in the 1980s and his education at Jesuit Universities and Jesuit high school. In 1989, while serving as a research scientist at the National Institutes of Health, a world away, six Jesuits and two female co-workers were assassinated in El Salvador for their work with, and advocacy for, the poor. El Salvador was then in the midst of a 10-year civil war, which resulted from years of systematic and violent repression of its citizens by a military-backed government that eventually claimed the lives of 70,000 people. Father Peter was so profoundly moved by this injustice that he acted instinctively, traveling to El Salvador to join the Salvadoran people in their suffering and struggle for justice.
As a physician, he offered health care in some of its marginal communities and conflict zones to people who had been abandoned by their government. His experience was transformational. This work emboldened him to leave behind his life of privilege and a promising career as a physician to enter a world of human suffering where so many people die before their time.
The third of eleven children, Father Peter lived what he called a life of privilege, and he thrived in his pursuit of education. Despite his years of study, during which he earned a BS from Boston College, an MD from Georgetown University, an MA in Theology from Boston College, a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Weston School of Theology and an MPH from Johns Hopkins University, he often said that his experience in El Salvador was the greatest and most compelling education he received.
A Faith That Does Justice is the culmination of his life’s work and his lasting impact on God’s earth.
Father Peter’s Message
As a Catholic priest in the Christian tradition, Father Peter was noted for his exceptional homilies, each delivered without notes or hesitation, educating participants in the liturgy about the historical context and spiritual meaning of the scriptures, before exhorting the congregation to put their faith into action. He often said, “If we are people of faith, we are called to not just attend churches, synagogues and mosques but to work in society for a world that is better for all.”
As in the Jewish tradition, Father Peter was an exemplar of Tikkun Olam, a concept that has come to connote the repair and improvement of the world. Like the great prophets, Father Peter could deliver harsh truths, to authorities, to his congregation and to public audiences. He did so with both confidence and compassion, seeking to inspire each person to seek opportunities to walk with love and solidarity with those who are suffering, with the ultimate goal of achieving justice.
Father Peter’s Message Lives On
Father Peter was a beacon of light, hope, and inspiration. He leaves a long legacy of inspiring faith in action and speaking truth to power. Our lives and the lives of the countless individuals he has served have all been bettered by his involvement in them. He was a beautiful, gentle soul whose life positively impacted so many.
Priest and prophet. Leader and servant. Together, these characterize the remarkable life of Father Peter who fulfilled each of these roles with conviction, passion and humility. Father Peter’s message and legacy live on. We encourage you to use the links below to revisit Father Peter’s words, his conversations, and his commitment to living his faith in action.
As a tribute to Fr. Peter and to support A Faith that Does Justice, you can donate to the Fr. Peter W. Gyves, SJ, MD Memorial Fund, which supports the range of programs inspired by Father Peter’s vision. These include English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), the Grab & Go and ESOL lunch programs, the Spanish Mass and community gathering, and Fireside Chats.