Saint Anthony Mary Claret

Biography

Saint Anthony Mary Claret, also known as Antonio María Claret y Clará, was born on 23 December 1807 in Sallent, Catalonia, Spain. In his youth, he worked as a weaver before entering the seminary as a student with Saint Francisco Coll Guitart. He was ordained a priest on 13 June 1835. After his ordination, Saint Anthony Mary Claret served as a missionary in Catalonia and the Canary Islands. He directed retreats and worked tirelessly to spread the devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Recognizing the need for a religious congregation dedicated to this mission, he founded the Congregation of Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, also known as the Claretians. His missionary zeal and dedication to the faith led him to be appointed as the Archbishop of Santiago de Cuba on 20 May 1850. In Cuba, he worked diligently to promote education, founded the Teaching Sisters of Mary Immaculate, and established numerous schools and educational institutions. He aimed to provide care for the poor and the marginalized, working tirelessly to improve their lives. Saint Anthony Mary Claret also served as the confessor to Queen Isabella II and had a significant influence on her spiritual life. However, due to political turmoil, both the Queen and Saint Anthony were exiled from their positions. Despite this setback, Saint Anthony continued to serve and support others through his spiritual guidance and charitable endeavors. Known for his great holiness, Saint Anthony Mary Claret possessed the gifts of prophecy and performed miracles. He reportedly preached over 10,000 sermons and published more than 200 works on various spiritual topics. His writings emphasized the importance of the Eucharist and devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. After his exile, Blessed Pope Pius IX ordered Saint Anthony back to Spain. He spent the last years of his life there, devoted to prayer, writing, and serving the Church. He passed away on 24 October 1870 in a Cistercian monastery at Fontfroide, Narbonne, France. Saint Anthony Mary Claret was venerated on 6 January 1926 by Pope Pius XI and was later beatified on 25 February 1934 by the same Pope. Finally, he was canonized on 7 May 1950 by Pope Pius XII. Blessed Jacinto Blanch Ferrer served as Vice-Postulator for Saint Anthony's Cause from 1916 until his death in 1936. Saint Anthony Mary Claret is considered the patron saint of the Catholic press, Claretians, Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and weavers. His life and work serve as an inspiration to all who strive to spread the message of Christ and live a life dedicated to serving others.