Saint Anthony Mary Claret

Saint Anthony Mary Claret, a Spanish Catholic prelate and missionary, dedicated his life to zealously serving others and promoting social reform. Born on December 23, 1807, in Sallent, Spain, to a deeply religious family of weavers, Claret entered the seminary in Vic, Spain, and was ordained at the age of 27 in 1835.

After his ordination, he traveled across Catalonia and other regions of Spain, conducting missions, retreats, and spiritual conferences. His sermons were known for their clarity, zeal, and powerful impact, drawing large crowds and bringing many people back to the faith. In 1849, he founded the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, also known as the Claretians, to serve as itinerant missionaries. The Claretians emphasized spreading devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

In 1850, Pope Pius IX appointed Claret as the Archbishop of Santiago de Cuba. He launched sweeping reforms to restore the local clergy’s discipline, encourage frequent reception of the sacraments, and advocate for social justice. Despite facing violent opposition and surviving multiple assassination attempts, Claret remained steadfast in his mission.

Later in life, he served as the confessor to Queen Isabella II of Spain. He died on October 24, 1870, in Fontfroide, Narbonne, France. Claret was beatified in 1934 and canonized in 1950. He is the patron saint of weavers, textile merchants, and the Claretians.

Saint Anthony Mary Claret's legacy is marked by his dedication to missionary work, social reform, and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. His influence continues through the Claretian Missionaries and his numerous writings and publications, inspiring many to this day.