Bl. Mattia de Nazarei

Blessed Mattia de Nazarei, also written Nazzarei, was an abbess of Matelica in the Italian Marches. Born into a prosperous noble family, she chose religious life despite her father’s opposition. The regional Franciscan history records her profession in 1271 and her subsequent service as abbess until her death on December 28, 1320.

Her story belongs to the monastery of Santa Maria Maddalena. Its history includes a Benedictine community and, later, Poor Clare occupation; the regional account places the transfer of Poor Clares there in 1520. These successive chapters help explain why modern descriptions sometimes give a simplified account of her religious setting.

Local devotion developed soon after her death, when the people of Matelica honored her in the monastery church. Pope Clement XIII confirmed her cult in 1765. She is honored as Blessed.

A life rooted in community

Mattia’s enduring connection with one monastery offers a starting point for reflection on faithful service: a vocation can bear fruit through years of responsibility for the people nearby. This is a devotional reflection on her life, rather than a claim about undocumented words or miracles.

Prayer

Blessed Mattia, pray for those discerning their vocation and those entrusted with the care of a community. Ask Christ to grant us patience, humility and steadfast love. Amen.

Source

Terra dei Fioretti, Franciscan Friars of the Marches — Matelica and its religious communities. The death year follows this regional history; some other biographies give 1319.