Pereira (Dom Mateus de Abreu)

We have found several references to this illustrious prelate as a native of Madeira, where he is said to have been born on 8 August 1756. We know nothing of the personal circumstances of his life until we find him, in 1794, presented as bishop of the diocese of São Paulo, in Brazil. He was confirmed by a papal bull of Pius VI dated 17 June 1795 and took possession of the bishopric on 31 May 1797. He was a prelate who rendered distinguished services to his diocese, and Cândido Mendes de Almada, in his work Direito Civil Eclesiastico Brasileiro, states that he contributed a great deal to the independence of Brazil. Two addresses delivered at the ceremonies held to celebrate the anniversary of this prelate’s consecration were published, one of them by the great orator Monte Alverne. He died in the city of São Paulo on 5 March 1824 and was buried in its cathedral.