SAINT JOHN OF MATHA

Confessor

DOUBLE / WHITE

As a young priest in Paris, Father John of Matha (1160-1213) was much troubled by the thought of the European Christians who were being captured and sold as slaves by Mohammedan pirates. Together with a dear friend, St. Felix of Valois, Father John obtained the approval of Pope Innocent III for the new Trinitarian Order for the redemption of captives. The work was visibly blessed by God, and the Trinitarians seized every opportunity to do missionary work among the Mohammedian masters of the captives. The life of St. John of Matha is a reminder that true Christians are called upon to love their neighbors not only as themselves, but even with a devotion like that of their Divine Master, who was willing to lay down His life for mankind.

Mass of a CONFESSOR OF THE FAITH, Except

COLLECT

O God, through St. John You founded the order of the Holy Trinity to ransom captives from the oppression of the Saracens. By Your grace keep our souls and bodies free from any enslavement, through the prayers of Your saint. Through Our Lord . . .

Commemoration of FRIDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY
Watch over the fast we have undertaken, O Lord, and let this bodily penance also be a truly spiritual exercise to make us strong. Through Our Lord . . .