St John of Matha

John of Matha appears first as a learned priest with a solitary turn of mind, and then as the figure linked to the founding of the Trinitarian work for the ransom of Christian captives. His life is memorable precisely because it is both devotional and corrective. The familiar later story of visions, partnership with St Felix of Valois, and dramatic details of the foundation is repeated only under caution. A stricter historical line is then drawn: John was real, he did help begin the Trinitarian enterprise, he did secure papal approval for its rule, and he died at Rome in 1213.

That may sound like less, but in fact it makes the saint more rather than less compelling. The durable core is mercy. John remains connected with one of the most concrete works of Christian charity in the medieval world: the redemption of captives.