DE MATTHIAS, MARIA, venerable. – Religious, founder of the Adorers of the Most Precious Blood, born in Vallecorsa (Frosinone) on 4 February 1805, died in Rome on 20 August 1866. Her providential encounter with b. Gaspare del Bufalo led her to give a new direction to her religious vocation, devoting herself to the spiritual formation and education of the young. She patiently endured misunderstandings and struggles on behalf of her institute, which she was able to see recognized by the Holy See before her death. Her beatification is imminent.
BIBL.: M. E. Pietromacchi, Vita della ven. M. D. M., Isola Liri 1947. Silvero Mattei