THE SERVANT OF GOD MATTHEW ROSSI

THE SERVANT OF GOD MATTHEW ROSSI

Matthew Rossi of the well known Orsini family was a knight of extraordinary piety and virtue. Once as St. Francis of Assisi was traveling through Rome, Matthew invited Francis to visit his palace in Rome and teach him how to save his soul. St. Francis’ preaching on the vanity of the world was so impressive that Mathew fell at his feet and humbly begged for admission to the Third Order to live out his life in penance. Many noble men and women soon followed his example.

During a later visit to Rome, St. Francis held Matthew’s young son, John Cajetan and declared: “This boy will at some future time be a religious not in garb but in sentiment; he will be a mighty ruler and great protector of our order.” The prophecy was fulfilled. John Cajetan became a priest, cardinal protector of the Franciscan Order and in the year of 1277 he ascended the papal throne as Nicholas III.

February 22