St. Anthony Mary Claret: Founder of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
•Bishop
•Feast day: October 24
•1807-1870
St. Anthony Mary Claret, a towering figure of 19th-century Catholicism, was born on December 23, 1807, in the small town of Sallent, Spain, to a deeply religious family of weavers. His early life was steeped in the faith, and he demonstrated an inclination toward the spiritual life from a young age. Known for his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, he would later become the founder of a religious congregation with a Marian focus, impacting not just Spain but various parts of the world.
Early Life and Ordination
As a child, St. Anthony displayed an extraordinary commitment to prayer and learning. After briefly working in his father’s weaving business, he felt the call to the priesthood and entered the seminary in Vic, Spain. Ordained in 1835 at the age of 27, he sought to dedicate his life to missionary work, preaching the Gospel and leading spiritual renewal across Spain.
The Birth of a Missionary
St. Anthony was driven by a deep desire to spread the message of Christ. After ordination, he traveled across Catalonia and other regions of Spain, conducting popular missions, retreats, and spiritual conferences. His passionate preaching and personal holiness drew large crowds and brought many people back to the faith. His sermons were known for their clarity, zeal, and powerful impact, touching the hearts of both the educated and the common people.
Founding of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
In 1849, responding to the need for a more organized approach to mission work, St. Anthony founded the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, also known as the Claretians. The congregation’s primary mission was to serve as itinerant missionaries, bringing the Gospel to local communities and foreign lands. The Claretians emphasized spreading devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, reflecting St. Anthony’s own deep Marian spirituality.
Appointment as Archbishop of Santiago de Cuba
In 1850, Pope Pius IX appointed St. Anthony Claret as the Archbishop of Santiago de Cuba, a region in dire spiritual and moral condition. Upon arriving, St. Anthony discovered that his diocese was riddled with social corruption, neglect of the sacraments, and widespread poverty. With remarkable energy and pastoral zeal, he launched a sweeping reform, restoring the local clergy’s discipline, encouraging frequent reception of the sacraments, and advocating for social justice, especially for the poor and enslaved.
During his time in Cuba, he established the Teaching Sisters of Mary Immaculate, a congregation dedicated to educating the youth and uplifting the oppressed. St. Anthony’s tenure as archbishop was not without challenges. He faced violent opposition from those who resisted his reforms, including surviving multiple assassination attempts, one of which left him severely wounded.
Return to Spain and Service to Queen Isabel II
In 1856, St. Anthony was recalled to Spain by Queen Isabel II, who appointed him as her confessor and royal chaplain. Despite the political turmoil of the time, he maintained his primary focus on the spiritual welfare of the people. As royal chaplain, he worked tirelessly to improve religious education, encourage vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and promote moral reforms within the royal court.
Printing Apostolate: The Libreria Religiosa de Barcelona
In addition to his work as a preacher and reformer, St. Anthony recognized the immense potential of the written word for evangelization. He founded the Libreria Religiosa de Barcelona, which became a center for Catholic literature and an effective means of spreading the faith throughout Spain. His printing apostolate produced thousands of religious pamphlets, catechisms, and books aimed at strengthening the faith of ordinary Catholics. Over the course of his life, St. Anthony wrote or published more than 200 religious books and pamphlets.
One of his most famous works was his autobiography, in which he recounted his spiritual journey and missionary efforts, providing an enduring source of inspiration for generations of Catholics.
Final Years and Death
In his later years, political unrest in Spain forced St. Anthony into exile. He withdrew to the Cistercian monastery of Fontfroide in southern France, where he spent his final days in prayer and contemplation. Despite suffering from severe illness, he continued to write and guide his religious congregation from afar. On October 24, 1870, St. Anthony Mary Claret passed away at the age of 62. His body was eventually returned to Vic, Spain, where he was venerated as a saintly figure.
Legacy and Canonization
St. Anthony’s impact on the Church was profound. He is said to have preached over 10,000 sermons during his lifetime, tirelessly spreading the Good News and rekindling the faith in the hearts of many. His missionary zeal, deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and innovative use of the printing press left an indelible mark on Catholic evangelization efforts.
In 1934, Pope Pius XI beatified St. Anthony, and in 1950, Pope Pius XII canonized him as a saint of the Catholic Church. Today, the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary continue his legacy, with missionary activities across 65 countries worldwide.
St. Anthony Mary Claret stands as an extraordinary example of Christian zeal and dedication to the missionary vocation. His lifelong devotion to evangelization, his love for the Virgin Mary, and his commitment to social reform continue to inspire both clergy and laypeople. In a time when the Church faced many challenges, St. Anthony’s work rejuvenated faith, restored hope, and fostered a deeper love for Christ among countless people. His life remains a powerful testament to the transformative power of the Gospel when embraced with unwavering conviction and love.