Matteo da Gimara
Matteo da Gimara, OFM (c. 1376 – 7 January 1450) was an Italian Catholic prelate and a professed member of the Order of Friars Minor. He served as the Bishop of Agrigento from 17 September 1442 until his resignation in mid-1445. He was forced to resign due to clerical opposition to his tenure and rumors spread against him forced this resignation.
Matteo was noted for his concern towards the poor as well as for his preaching abilities; he was known to have preached in various Italian cities and had support from Pope Eugene IV who was a benefactor. He also preached across Spain on several occasions being close to the monarch (he is alleged to have Spanish origins) before returning to the Italian peninsula to preach and assume his episcopal duties.
He was honored for his saintliness in life and death, which later led to Pope Clement XIII approving his beatification on 22 February 1767.
Patron saint of Archdiocese of Agrigento
In the Martyrology
- January 7 Blessed Matteo Guimerà, Franciscan, bishop of Agrigento