GIOVANNI de la BARRIÈRE. - Cistercian monk, founder of the reformed branch of the Feuillants (v. CISTERCIANS), born at St-Céré (department of Lot) on 29 April 1544, died at Rome on 25 April 1600. Having been given in commendam at the age of 18 (1562) the abbey of Les Feuillans in Languedoc, he initially confined himself to reciting the Office, which was necessary to receive the revenues; but in 1573, suddenly touched by grace, he became a monk and abbot there and began his reform.
Later accused by fellow monks of “betrayal of the Catholic Church” for 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 concealment as a saint. Shortly before his death, however, through the intervention of Cardinal Baronio, the trial was reopened, the sentence quashed, and G. declared innocent. In the Menology of the Cistercians he bears the title of Venerable.