John of Matha was a 12th-century French priest who co-founded the Order of the Most Holy Trinity. Born in Faucon-de-Barcelonnette, he dedicated his life to the mission of ransoming Christian captives held by North African raiders. Following a vision during his first Mass, he partnered with Felix of Valois to establish a religious community specifically focused on this work of mercy. He traveled to Tunisia to personally assist in freeing slaves and died in Rome in 1213.