Santa María de Mattias

Saint Maria De Mattias, also known as Mary de Mattias and Mary de Matthias, was born on 4 February 1805, in Vallecorsa, Frosinone, Papal States (modern Italy). She was born into a pious and educated upper-class family, where she acquired a deep love for her Catholic faith. Despite societal restrictions on formal education for women during her time, Maria's father ensured that she learned to read and write, as well as imparting much of her faith knowledge to her. As a young girl growing up in an isolated and self-involved environment, Maria began to feel a void in her life and yearned for more meaning. Seeking enlightenment, she fervently prayed and received a mystical vision that would transform her life. In response to this spiritual calling, Maria made the courageous decision to leave her home and embark on a journey along the roads, spreading her knowledge and love of God to anyone willing to listen. At the age of 17, Maria attended a mission preached by Saint Gaspare de Bufalo. Witnessing the profound changes occurring in people who participated in the mission, Maria felt a deep desire to have a similar impact on others. With the help of Venerable Giovanni Merlini, she founded the Congregation of the Sisters Adorers of the Blood of Christ on 4 March 1834, in Acuto, Italy. This congregation focused on the education of girls, but Maria expanded their work to include teaching and catechizing women and boys. Although societal norms prevented her from directly addressing men, Maria found inventive ways to reach them. Men would gather on their own, sometimes in secret, to hear her teachings. Pope Pius IX recognized Maria's exceptional leadership abilities and assigned her to oversee the San Luigi Hospice in Rome. From this position, she worked tirelessly to expand the reach and impact of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ congregation. Throughout her lifetime, Maria faced occasional opposition from some clergy members but enjoyed unwavering support from the laity. By the time of her death on 20 August 1866 in Rome, the congregation had established 70 schools, primarily in small isolated towns. By the time of her beatification, over 400 schools had been established by the Adorers. Saint Maria De Mattias was venerated for her extraordinary virtues on 26 February 1936 by Pope Pius XI. Pope Pius XII beatified her on 1 October 1950, acknowledging her notable sanctity. Finally, on 18 May 2003, Pope John Paul II canonized Maria De Mattias at the Vatican Basilica, recognizing her as a saint of the Catholic Church. Today, Saint Maria De Mattias is honored as the patron saint of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, an international religious congregation dedicated to following in her footsteps of serving God by fostering education, compassion, and the love of Christ. Her relics are venerated in Rome at the Church of the Precious Blood, and her feast day is celebrated on 20 August each year.