Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria

Biography

Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria, also known as Antonio Maria Zaccaria or Antony Zaccaria, was born in 1502 in Cremona, Lombardy, Italy. He came from a patrician family, but tragically, his father Lazzaro died when Anthony was only two years old. Despite this, his mother, Antonia Pescorali, who was widowed at the young age of 18, devoted herself to raising and nurturing her son. Anthony's educational journey began in Padua, Italy, where he studied medicine. He exhibited great talent and dedication, and he earned his doctorate at the young age of 22. However, while working as a physician for the poor in Cremona, Anthony felt a deep calling to embrace the religious life. In an act of selfless generosity, Anthony bequeathed his inheritance to his mother and embarked on a new path. He became a catechist and, at the age of 26, was ordained as a priest. Legend has it that angels were witnessed surrounding the altar during his first Mass, a testament to the holiness and purity of his vocation. Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria is particularly renowned for his skills as a preacher and administrator. In Milan, Italy, he founded two congregations. The first, known as the Society of Clerics of Saint Paul (also referred to as the Barnabites), was established for men who wished to dedicate their lives to the religious vocation. The second, the Angelics of Saint Paul, was created for un-cloistered nuns who desired to serve God and their communities outside the confines of a convent. Aside from his role in establishing these congregations, Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria also played a significant role in introducing the Forty Hours’ Devotion. This practice, involving continuous adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for forty hours, was a powerful means of fostering devotion and reforming the morals of the faithful. Additionally, he encouraged laymen to actively participate in the apostolate and promoted the frequent reception of Communion as a means of deepening one's relationship with God. Sadly, while on a peace mission, Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria fell ill and passed away at his mother's house in Cremona. It is believed that he had a vision of Saint Paul the Apostle during his final moments. He was buried at the Saint Paul's Convent of the Angelics in Milan. In 1566, Anthony's body was discovered to be incorrupt, a sign of his holiness and spiritual favor. His beatification took place in 1849, under Pope Pius IX, and he was officially canonized on May 27, 1897, by Pope Leo XIII. Today, Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria is honored as a patron saint of the Angelic Sisters of Saint Paul, who continue to emulate his dedication to Christ and service to others.