GABRIELE MARIA, blessed. - Gilberto Nicolai (whose name was changed in 1518 to that of G. M. by Pope Leone X), born at Riom in Auvergne (France) c. 1463, and died at Rodez on 27 Aug. 1532.
Having entered the Franciscan Order at a very young age, in addition to holiness of life and an intensive cultural formation, he attained its highest offices: local superior, provincial minister, and twice vicar general of the Observance, the last to bear this title before Leone X, in 1517, granted complete autonomy to the Observants. After 1517 he was several times commissary general for the Ultramontane Observants (v. FRATT MINORI), general definitor of the Order (1520), and also inquisitor against the danger of Protestant expansion in France.
He was confessor to the holy princess Giovanna di Valois, whom he assisted above all during the difficult circumstances she underwent when her husband, the duke of Orléans, having ascended the throne of France (Luigi XII), obtained from Rome a sentence of nullity of the marriage. He was of valuable assistance to her in founding the Order of the Virgin Mary (Annonciade), for which he wrote the Rule and obtained pontifical approval, becoming its general visitor. After the death of the foundress, he directed it with solicitude, extending its diffusion and laying down its constitutions, ceremonial, and a declaration of the Rule.