Description
Saint John of Matha
Celebrated on December 17.
The name originates from Hebrew and means ‘Yahweh (God) is merciful’.
John was born in Faucon in Provence in the year 1160. He spent some time living as a hermit. Later, he went to Paris, where he earned a doctorate in theology and was ordained there in 1197. He then joined St. Felix of Valois. He entrusted Felix with his idea of founding a religious order for the redemption of Christian captives from Muslims. They went to Rome and received the approval of Pope Innocent III for the Order of the Most Holy Trinity, known as the Trinitarians. The order flourished, spreading to France, Spain, Italy, and England. His work was associated with the Order of Malta as he collaborated in efforts to rescue Christian slaves from Muslim captivity. He sent many of his monks to North Africa and ransomed numerous captives. John passed away in Rome.
He does not have a specific patronage, but he can be considered the patron of slaves.
Name variations: Eoin, Evan, Giovanni, Hans, Hansen, Hanson, Hovhannes, Iaian, Ian, Ifan, Ioan, Ioane, Ivan, Iven, Jack, Jackson, Jaenda, Jan, Janco, Jane, Janez, Janos, Jansen, Janson, Jantje, Jean, Jehan, Jehann, Jenkin, Jenkins, Jenkyn, Jenkyns, Jenner, Jennings, Jens, Jense, Jentz, Jhon, Jian, Joan, João, Jock, Jocko, Joen, Joenes, Joennes, Joenns, Johahn, Johan, Johanan, Johane, Johann, Johannes, Johaun, Johnavon, Johne, Johnnie, Johnny, Johnsie, Johnson, Johon, Jone, Jones, Joness, Jonesy, Jonne, Jonnel, Jontavius, Jovan, Juan, Juha, Juhana, Juhanah, Juhani, Juhanna, Juhannah, Juho, Seain, Seán, Shane, Shawn, Yannakis, Yanni, Yannis, Yiannis, Zane
