GIOVANNI DE LA BARRIÈRE. - Cistercian monk, founder of the reformed branch of the Feuillants (v. CASTRES), b. at St-Céré (department of Lot) on 29 Apr. 1544, d. at Rome on 25 Apr. 1600. Having received in commendam, at the age of eighteen (1562), the abbey of Les Feuillans in Languedoc, he at first confined himself to reciting the Office, as required in order to receive its revenues; but in 1573, suddenly touched by Grace, he became a monk and abbot there, and undertook his reform.
Later accused by fellow religious of “treachery towards the Catholic Church” because of his adherence to King Henry III during the disturbances of the League, he was summoned to Rome, where, having been found guilty, he was deposed from office. He accepted the sentence, living in hiding as a saint. Shortly before his death, however, through the intervention of Card. Baronio, the trial was reviewed, the sentence annulled, and G. declared innocent. In the Cistercian Menologio he bears the title of venerable.