Saint John of Matha

Biography

Saint John of Matha, also known as Saint John of Matha and Felix, was born on June 23, 1160, in Faucon, Provence, France. He was born into a noble family and received a fine education at Aix, France. Following his education, John decided to dedicate his life to God and became a hermit at Faucon. During his time as a hermit, John experienced a profound vision during his first Mass. In this vision, he saw an angel dressed in white with a red and blue cross on his breast. The angel placed his hands on the heads of two slaves kneeling beside him. This powerful experience would shape the course of John's life. Later, while sitting by a stream with Saint Felix of Valois, another hermit, John received another vision. They both saw a white stag with a blue and red cross suspended between its antlers. These visions served as a divine call to John and Felix, inspiring them to take action. With the encouragement of Pope Innocent III, John founded the Hospitaler Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of Captives, also known as the Trinitarians or Redemptionists. The primary mission of this order was to ransom Christian prisoners who had been captured by the Moors (also known as the Mathurins). John's vision of the angel became the inspiration for the order's habit. The Trinitarian habit consisted of a white robe adorned with a blue and red cross on the breast. Additionally, John instituted the Scapular of the Most Holy Trinity as a distinctive symbol of the order. The Order of the Most Holy Trinity was also placed under the protection of Mary under the title of Our Lady of Good Remedy. John served as the first superior general of the order and worked tirelessly to carry out its mission. Hundreds of prisoners were ransomed and returned to their homes, finding freedom through the efforts of John and his fellow Trinitarians. Despite the incredible work they accomplished, John's life became enveloped in legends and fictionalized accounts throughout the Middle Ages. This was due to the fascinating story elements present in his life, such as visions and the rescue of knights. However, it is important to separate fact from fiction when examining his biography. Today, the Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of Captives continues its work. With around 600 members, the order is actively engaged in prison ministries across more than twenty countries. In recent times, they celebrated the 800th anniversary of their foundation, reflecting the enduring impact of John's vision and mission. Saint John of Matha passed away on December 12, 1223, in Rome, Italy, of natural causes. His relics are preserved in Madrid, Spain, serving as a reminder of his holy example and his dedication to the well-being of those in captivity. He was canonized as a saint on October 21, 1666, by Pope Alexander VII, confirming the devotion and veneration he had received from the faithful throughout the centuries. Although Saint John of Matha does not have a specific patronage assigned to him, his life and work continue to inspire and draw people closer to God.