Saint John of Matha

Saint John of Matha was a 12th-century saint from France who devoted his life to freeing enslaved Christians during the Crusades. Born into a wealthy family and educated in Paris, he often helped the poor and tended to the sick. After becoming a priest, he felt divinely inspired during his first Holy Mass to help liberate Christians enslaved by the Moors. Together with Saint Felix of Valois, he approached Pope Innocent III, who encouraged them to dedicate their lives to this mission. They founded the Order of the Most Holy Trinity for the Ransom of Captives to carry out their work.

Members of the order raised money in Europe to ransom captives in North Africa. John of Matha dedicated the rest of his life to this cause; his charity and holiness led to many threats and even more miracles. The providence of God supported him and his ministry. Notable among these is the incident of the Moors attacking his ship once. They raided the ship and tore the sails so the freed Christians and their savior could not return to their destination. But the saint, confident in God's grace, knelt at the bow, praying psalms. Using the passengers' cloaks as sails, they arrived safely in Italy. After a life of heroic sacrifices and inspiring holiness, St. John left for his heavenly abode in 1213.

Prayer

St. John of Matha, you loved God deeply and cared for your neighbor. You were chosen to start the Order of the Holy Trinity and spent your life honoring this sacred mystery while helping to free Christians from slavery. Pray for us to pass our lives also in glorifying the most blessed Trinity, and in doing good to our neighbor through works of Christian charity.

Prepared and updated by:

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,

Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.