CALECA, MANUELE

CALECA, Manuel. - Grammarian and theologian of Constantinople of the 14th-15th century. Opposed to Palamism, he abandoned the literary teaching to which he had devoted himself and became Catholic, perhaps under the influence of Demetrio Cidone, of whom he became a disciple. He suffered much for his faith. He formed a friendship with Manuel Chrysoloras and Massimo Crisoberga, Greek Catholics who were disciples of Cidone. He studied Latin and Scholastic theology. After a journey to Venice and Milan (1401-1402), he returned to Greece and took the Dominican habit at Mytilene, where he died in 1410. He left (unpublished) grammatical writings, sermons, a large collection of letters, and theological works (published only in part). His books and papers, including also books and papers of Demetrio Cidone, redeemed by Teodoro and inherited by Andrea, both brothers of Massimo Crisoberga, came to form part of the Vatican Library together with those of the latter.