Mateus Moreira
Mateus Moreira[2] (? - October 3, 1645) is a Brazilian Catholic martyr. He was beatified on March 5, 2000 and canonized on October 15, 2017, along with the remaining Martyrs of Cunhaú and Uruaçu.
Saint Mateus Moreira[1] | |
|---|---|
| Layman & martyr | |
| Died | 3 October 1645 Cunhaú, present Canguaretama, Portuguese Empire |
| Venerated in | Catholic Church |
| Beatified | March 5, 2000 by Pope John Paul II |
| Canonized | October 15, 2017 by Pope Francis |
| Feast | 3 October (Martyrs of Natal) |
Biography
Mateus Moreira was a layman who was at Mass on October 3, 1645 when Dutch government troops under the command of Jacob Rabbi executed all the faithful who were at Sunday Mass, presided over by Father Ambrósio Francisco Ferro who was also martyred. Mateus Moreira had his heart torn in his back as he exclaimed, "Praise the Blessed Sacrament."
Beatification
The celebration was held in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican in the presence of the bishop of Natal, Mossoró and Caicó, and about a thousand Brazilians present at the celebration.
Patron of Extraordinary Ministers
At the 43rd General Assembly of the CNBB in Itaici / São Paulo in 2005, was approved Blessed Mateus Moreira as "Patron of the Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharistic Communion." In December 2005, the CNBB reported that the Holy See's Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments had approved the name of the Blessed as the patron of ministers.