Blessed Matteo De Lana

Biography

Blessed Matteo De Lana, also known as Matthew, was a Mercedarian monk at the monastery of Santa Maria degli Ulivi. Not much is known about his early life, including his date of birth or the details of his family background. However, his spiritual journey led him to embrace the monastic life as a member of the Mercedarian Order.

The Mercedarians, also known as the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy, were founded in 1218 by St. Peter Nolasco. The Order's mission was focused on the redemption of Christian captives from Muslim hands, particularly during the time of the Crusades. The Mercedarians willingly offered themselves as ransom for those held captive, embodying the virtue of mercy in their service.

Blessed Matteo De Lana lived during a time of great turmoil and conflict between Christians and Muslims. As a devoted Mercedarian monk, he dedicated his life to the charitable work of his Order, seeking the liberation and salvation of those in bondage and distress.

While the exact details of Matteo's service and contributions to the Mercedarian Order are not explicitly recorded, it is believed that his commitment to their mission was profound. His dedication to the virtue of mercy and self-sacrifice became evident in his actions and interactions with those in need.

For his unwavering commitment to the principles of his religious order, Matteo De Lana was revered as a holy man and a model of Christian virtue. Although his exact date of death remains unknown, his memory is commemorated on January 13th as part of the Mercedarian calendar of saints and blesseds.

Although Blessed Matteo De Lana has not been officially canonized as a saint in the Catholic Church, he has been recognized with the title of "Blessed." This designation indicates that the Church has acknowledged his holiness and considers him to be in the presence of God.

Through diligent research and continued devotion to his memory, the Church may gather additional information about Blessed Matteo De Lana's life and ultimately consider him for official canonization. As such, his beatification, veneration, and potential future recognition as a saint are still unfolding in the annals of Catholic history.