1160–1213
Saint John of Matha, 1160–1213
February 8
Saint John of Matha was born in France. From the time he was a very little boy, he tried to show his love for the Trinity. He obeyed his parents and studied hard. For a while, he lived alone as a hermit. But he decided that God wanted him to become a priest, so he went to Paris. After he was ordained, he started a group of priests called the Order of the Most Holy Trinity or Trinitarians. They worked to free Christians who were slaves. There are still Trinitarian priests today. They honor the Trinity by working in schools and churches.
Discuss: How can you show that you love the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit?
Saint John of Matha’s order worked in France, Italy, England, Spain, and North Africa. John had a doctorate degree in theology. He is often shown in his Trinitarian habit, with chains in his hands or at his feet to symbolize the slaves he freed.
Activity
The Holy Trinity
Visual/Spatial
Have the child create and illustrate, in one drawing, the Three Divine Persons of the Holy Trinity, showing how they honor each.