St. John Matha (1160-1213) was a French noble who became a priest after a brilliant success at the university in Paris. During his first Mass, he was inspired to dedicate his life to the ransom of Catholics made slaves by Muslims during the battles of the Crusades.
He decided to seek spiritual advice for so great a task from the saintly hermit, St. Felix of Valois. Immediately St. Felix was convinced that St. John was divinely inspired and together they founded the Order of the Holy Trinity (Trinitarians) . The Trinitarians traveled side by side with the Crusaders, teaching the truths of the faith, providing the sacraments and raising huge sums of money to ransom the captives. Outraged with the success of these brave missionaries, the Muslims damaged the rudder and sails of St. John's ship which was to carry 120 ransomed Catholics back to safety.
Placing his full confidence in God, St. John sewed the cloaks of the newly freed men to make new sails, and with crucifix in hand and God as his pilot, his ship made port safely. This episode helped to further the enthusiasm for the Crusades and the Catholic Cause.
Contrary to modern historical accounts, the Crusades were supported by true saints, who employed the same principle as St. Ignatius of Loyola; Do everything as if it depended on you and then recognize that everything relies on God and not yourself.
Let us ask St. John Matha to be with us in our present day fight against sin and blasphemy. May Our Lady guide the ship of our vocation in this fight to the safe harbor of victory and Heaven.
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