Giovanni Maria Scolarici was a Catholic presbyter from Piraino who lived during the 16th century. He is recognized as a martyr for his faith, having died in 1544 during a raid on the Tyrrhenian coast. Alongside his son, Giuseppe Scolarici, he was killed by Barbary pirates led by Ariadeno Barbarossa. His death occurred while he was attempting to protect sacred items, specifically the Holy Species and holy oils, from the invaders.
Life and death
During the mid-16th century, pirates from the Barbary Coast attacked the coastline of the modern Messina province. While attempting to safeguard the sacred relics and holy oils kept at the Church of the Badia, Giovanni Maria and his son Giuseppe were intercepted. The two men were killed by the forces led by Ariadeno Barbarossa during this period of devastation.
Veneration
Both Giovanni Maria and his son are honored as martyrs within the Orthodox Church in Italy. They are commemorated as saints for their sacrifice. Their feast day is observed on 18 October in both the Catholic and Orthodox traditions.