**MATTIA** (Camagni) of Parma. — A Capuchin spiritual writer of the Province of Bologna, born in 1599, he entered the Order on 19 November 1622 and died at Parma on 24 April 1676. Promoted as a preacher, he held the offices of master of novices and guardian.
He wrote a work entitled: *Viaggio dell’anima per andare a Dio* (Parma 1652 and 1658). This is perhaps the first manual of spiritual life written by an Italian Capuchin. Very few authors are cited in the work. Among the most used is St. Bonaventure. M. aims solely at the spiritual profit of the soul; he does not show any knowledge of the distinction between ordinary and extraordinary ways, that is, between “ascetical” and “mystical”; he teaches the manner of meditation, proposes many examples of contemplations, colloquies, and affectionate prayers; but he does not expressly speak of infused contemplation.
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