History & Biographies

St. Anthony Zaccaria: A Life Dedicated to Spiritual Renewal

Priest 
•Feast day: July 5 
•1502-1539 

St. Anthony Zaccaria, a pivotal figure in the Catholic Reformation, was born in Cremona, Italy, in 1502. His early years were marked by the influence of his mother, who nurtured his spiritual growth and instilled in him a deep compassion for the poor. The untimely death of his father when Anthony was just a child only intensified his resolve to dedicate his life to the service of others.

A Scholar and Healer

In his quest for knowledge and service, Anthony pursued studies in Medicine at the University of Padua. By the age of 22, he had returned to his hometown to practice as a physician. However, his experiences with the physical ailments of his patients led him to a profound realization: his true calling was to heal souls rather than bodies. This epiphany marked a turning point in his life, redirecting his focus from medicine to theology.

A New Path: Theology and Catechism

Driven by his newfound vocation, Anthony began to study Theology with fervor. He dedicated himself to teaching catechism to the youth, emphasizing the importance of spiritual education and moral integrity. His dedication to these endeavors was recognized by the Church, and in 1528, he was ordained a priest.

Milan and the Birth of a New Congregation

After his ordination, Anthony moved to Milan, a city that would become the epicenter of his reformative activities. In Milan, he played a crucial role in founding a female congregation focused on rescuing and rehabilitating girls from vulnerable circumstances. His work with this congregation underscored his commitment to social justice and the empowerment of women through education and spiritual guidance.

Two years later, in 1530, Anthony Zaccaria, alongside two fellow priests, established the Clerics Regular of St. Paul. The primary mission of this new congregation was to rejuvenate the Church through frequent preaching and the exemplary administration of the sacraments. Due to their headquarters being located in the Church of St. Barnabas, they soon became popularly known as the Barnabites.

Mission and Legacy

The Barnabites were not confined to the walls of churches; they took their message to the streets, preaching in marketplaces and public squares. Their outreach extended to the poor and the sick, embodying the compassion and mercy that St. Anthony had embraced from a young age.

St. Anthony Zaccaria’s tireless work took a toll on his health. He died in 1539 at the age of 37, exhausted by his relentless efforts to renew and reform the Church. Despite his early death, his legacy endures through the ongoing work of the Barnabites and the numerous lives he touched through his ministry.

St. Anthony Zaccaria’s life is a testament to the power of faith and dedication in driving meaningful change. His journey from a medical student to a spiritual healer and reformer highlights the impact one individual can have on society. His legacy continues to inspire those committed to the values of compassion, service, and spiritual renewal.