FORZA MATTEO, b. (Padua) From a noble family after the mid-12th century, d. in Venice in January 1348. He first devoted himself to legal studies, then to the monastic life. Prior of the monastery of S. Benedetto in Padua. He was an ascetic, a mystic, and an active monk. He rebuilt the church of S. Benedetto and the adjoining monastery.
He was invoked as a judge and peacemaker amid intricate civil and ecclesiastical disputes. He declined the bishopric of Ferrara. At the death of St. Anthony, he calmed the people, who were stirred up to steal the saint’s body, and was appointed by the Pope to conduct the process of the saint’s canonization. A remarkable example of patriotism, Padua was able to experience his political genius and benefit from his prudent work, especially in the fierce and irreconcilable conflicts between the powerful families of the lords of Romano and the Camposampiero. He made peace with the Trevisans at Stigliano and vigorously opposed the tyranny of Ezzelino III da Romano, by whom he was imprisoned for two years in the castle of S. Zenone near Asolo, until he was freed by the Emperor. Taking refuge in Aquileia, he later went to Venice in the monastery of the Celestia, where he remained until his death. The Church venerates him as blessed, and his body rests in the cathedral of Padua.