Peter of Alcantara was a 16th-century Spanish Franciscan friar, priest, and mystic known for his extreme asceticism. Born in Villaturiel, he joined the Franciscan Order at age 16 and later became a key figure in reforming the order through the establishment of the Province of St. Joseph. He was a spiritual mentor to St. Teresa of Ávila, providing the encouragement she needed to begin her own Carmelite reform. Recognized for his intense devotion and poverty, he died in Arenas de San Pedro in 1562.