Matteo da Bascio

According to one tradition, the friar had been attending a funeral and was returning to his convent, when he met a beggar by the wayside barely clad.

They were given refuge by the Camaldolese monks, in gratitude for which they later adopted the hood (or cappuccio) worn by that Order — which was the mark of a hermit in that region of Italy — and the practice of wearing a beard.

[3] On the 3rd of July, 1528, the Pope issued the bull Religionis zelus, by which the new reform was canonically approved and placed under the nominal jurisdiction of the Conventuals.

After visiting his brethren, wishing to resume his apostolic career, and perhaps feeling powerless against the difficulties which menaced his disciples, he resigned his office.

He died at Venice, in the midst of his labours, and was buried there in the church of San Francesco della Vigna in the presence of a vast concourse of people attracted by his reputation as a saint.

The following eulogy by Arthur du Monstier is read in the Franciscan Martyrologium (3 August): "There died at Venice, Blessed Matthew, confessor, founder of the congregation of Capuchins.

His continual fastings, vigils and prayer, his most high poverty and ardent zeal for souls, lastly his extraordinary holiness and the gift of miracles made his memory glorious".