Saint Matthew of Agrigento

Then, moved by the desire for a higher perfection and by the fame of Saint Bernardino of Siena, he embraced the more rigid institute of the F riars Minor of the Observance; Frères Mineurs de l'Observance Reformed branch of the Franciscan Order that Mathieu joined and propagated. admitted among the companions of Bernardino himself, he traveled through almost all of Italy, in the name of Jesus, which was continually on his lips, and revived by his works and preaching the piety that was everywhere languishing. The Lord also strengthened his word with miracles. In Spain, he restored the regular Observa Observance régulière Reformed branch of the Franciscan Order that Mathieu joined and propagated. nce, a work in which he also made great progress in Sicily. He burned with extreme love for the Virgin, Mother of God. He propagated the devotion to the most sweet name of Jesus so much among the Sicilians that it was read everywhere on the frontispiece of houses. Through his care, many monasteries were built, especially in Sicily, with the assent of the sovereign pontiffs Martin V and Eu gene IV, Eugène IV Pope who sent Nicholas Albergati to the Council of Basel. in the name of Jesus and in honor of his holy Mother.

The Bishop of Agrigento (Girgen Agrigente (Girgenti) Sicilian city where Benedict traveled for a chapter of his order. ti) having died, he was, albeit against his will, placed at the head of this church to the unanimous applause of the people, with the consent of Alfonso, King of Aragon, and the a pproval of Pop pape Eugène IV Pope who sent Nicholas Albergati to the Council of Basel. e Eugene IV. Ordained bishop, shining like a torch raised on a candelabra with the brilliance of all virtues, he devoted himself entirely to the restoration of ecclesiastical discipline. God, to test him like gold in the furnace, permitted him to be the target of calumny; he made the journey to Rome to justify himself, was declared innocent by the Sovereign Pontiff, and by him returned to his church. But he abandoned its government shortly thereafter of his own volition. He first retired to Pal ermo, w Palerme Birthplace and site of the saint's principal miracle. here the Conventuals of that city received him very affectionately; after having stayed with them for some time, he returned to his own, called by the provincial vicar of the Observance.

Having spent a few years there piously and holily, broken by labors and exhausted by his poor health, he was taken back to the Conventuals by order of his superiors; finally, worn out by old age and illness, he flew to heaven on February 7, 1451. His remains, claimed by his brothers, were transported not without wonders to the monastery of Saint Mary of Jesus.

When the coffin was brought into the monastery church, the dead man, suddenly rising to a sitting position, joined his hands, adored the Eucharist, and lay back down, to the astonishment of all those present. The glory of miracles, after having illustrated his life, also crowned his tomb; gifted with the spirit of prophecy, wearing the halo of holiness, he began, as soon as he was dead, to enjoy the homage of men. Cleme nt XIII rati Clément XIII Pope who granted indulgences for the cult of Saint Gregory. fied his cult and permitted the celebration of his feast with an ecclesiastical office; finally, Pope Pius VII approved the recitation of specific lessons in this office.

Lessons from the Franciscan Breviary.