Blessed Matthew Carrieri of Mantua

Charged by his superiors to work on the reform of several convents of his Order, he restored regular discipline there. He applied himself to preparing subjects for the pulpit, and he himself, in the midst of his other occupations, continued to devote himself to the ministry of the word with ever-increasing fruit.

Among the most striking conversions he brought about is cited that of a young lady named Luc ina, w Lucine A young lady converted by the preaching of Matthew. ho had scandalized the whole country by her disorders. One day, having gone to church with all the display of the most refined luxury, she was so touched by the Blessed one's sermon that she was seen shedding tears and beating her breast. From that very day the change was complete, and she repaired through her penance the numerous scandals she had caused by her conduct. Young people of both sexes, touched by the exhortations of the Blessed one, embraced the religious state. Cited among others is Blessed Stephana Quinzani, whose first steps in the ways of perf bienheureuse Stéphanie Quinzani Saint for whom Matthew Carrieri served as spiritual guide. ection he guided.

However, the devil, jealous of the good he was accomplishing, stirred up enemies against him who depicted him at the duc de Milan Sovereign before whom Matthew had to justify himself. court of the Duke of Milan as a man whose zeal exceeded the bounds of Christian wisdom. The Duke summoned him to urge him to be more circumspect in his preaching; but as soon as he had heard the reasons the Blessed one offered for his justification, he permitted him to preach as he saw fit and commended himself to his prayers.

Alarmed by the marks of respect and veneration shown to him, he left the Milanese territory to escape them and went to the Venetian S tates, where Go États de Venise Final location of the transfer of relics in 1200. d continued to shower the most abundant blessings upon his labors. Called to Genoa by the inhab Gênes Place of the saint's death and burial. itants of that city, who desired to hear such a famous preacher, and having embarked for Savona, the vessel he was on was taken by pirates who were preparing to reduce all the passengers to slavery; but Blessed Matthew, brought before the leader of these pirates, spoke to him with such grace and dignity that he obtained his freedom without even asking for it.

Among his companions in misfortune were a lady and her daughter, who were melting into tears at the sight of the perils with which they were threatened. Father Matthew, touched by their plight, requested their deliverance, and as his request was rejected, he offered to take their place. The barbarian, struck by this generosity, returned their freedom in consideration of him, as well as that of all those he had just taken prisoner.

Having reached an advanced age, he retired to the co nvent of Vigevano Place of retreat and death. Vigevano, which he had reformed, and there he occupied himself only with preparing for death, by meditating on the Passion of Jesus Christ. One day, as he was praying to Our Lord to let him share in His sufferings, he felt his heart as if pierced by an arrow and experienced such violent pain that he was reduced to the point of death. He was administered the last sacraments, after which he died on October 5, 1470. The miracles performed at his tomb Sixte IV Pope who authorized the reform of the Couëts. led Sixtus IV to authorize his cult, which w as approve Benoît XIV Pope who beatified Jerome Emiliani. d by Benedict XIV in 1742.

Life of Blessed Matthew Carrieri by Abbé Pétin, priest o M. l'abbé Pétin Author of the biography and priest of the Diocese of Saint-Dié. f the diocese of Saint-Dié. — Cf. Continuators of Godescard.