GIOVANNI DI MATHA, SANTO

GIOVANNI di MATHA, Saint. — Born into a noble family at Faucon (Provence) on 23 June 1160, died at Rome on 17 December 1213. He studied the first letters at Aix (Provence) from 1172 to 1178 and theology at the University of Paris from 1180. Ordained priest on 15 November 1192, he retired into solitude. At Cerfroid (Aisne) he met Felice di Valois, with whom he lived for some time. Determined to found an Order for the redemption of Christians enslaved by Muslims, they arrived in Rome on 18 January 1198 and submitted their plan to Innocent III, who confirmed its rules on 17 December. The Order was called of the Most Holy Trinity or of the Trinitarians, with a white habit and a red and blue cross on the chest. G. settled in Rome. He immediately devoted himself to the redemption of slaves and worked to spread the Order. He founded convents in southern France and in Spain. Feast day: 8 February.