The Inspiring Life of Saint Anthony Mary Claret

One day, a young boy, Antonio, heard the voice of God calling him to become a priest. This was not in the stillness of prayer or within the solemnity of the church, but amidst the bustling sounds of the textile looms where he worked. He followed this call wholeheartedly, not knowing it would lead him to become one of the most revered saints in Catholic history – Saint Anthony Mary Claret.

Table of Contents

Early Life and Calling

Anthony Claret was born on December 23, 1807, in Sallent, Catalonia, Spain. Despite his calling at a young age, he initially pursued a career as a weaver, following in his father's footsteps. However, the voice of the Lord persisted, leading him to enter seminary in Vic at the age of 22. Here, his journey to becoming the beloved priest, missionary, and eventually saint - Anthony Mary Claret began.

The Missionary Journey

Upon his ordination in 1835, Anthony felt a strong call toward missionary work. His insatiable desire to spread the Word of God led him to the Canary Islands where he spent two years preaching the gospel. The transformative power of his preaching was apparent, with numerous people experiencing conversions and renewals in their faith.

The Claretians

In 1849, Anthony Mary Claret founded the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, also known as the Claretians. This congregation was aimed at foreign missions, education, and publications all in service of the Church. With this foundation, Claret's influence extended even more widely, echoing the divine call he received during his early life.

"O God, who for the evangelization of peoples strengthened the Bishop Saint Anthony Mary Claret with admirable charity and long-suffering, grant through his intercession, that seeking the things that are yours, we may earnestly devote ourselves to winning our brothers and sisters for Christ."

A Season in Cuba

In a surprising turn of events, Anthony Mary Claret was appointed Archbishop of Santiago, Cuba, in 1850. During his tenure, he initiated significant reforms in the church, fought for the rights of the poor and slaves, and faced multiple assassination attempts. However, his unshakeable faith and deep love for the Lord overcame every challenge.

The Miracles and Canonization

Throughout his life, Anthony Mary Claret exhibited supernatural abilities, with recorded instances of prophecy, healing, and even bilocation. After his death on October 24, 1870, his cause for canonization began. He was declared a saint by Pope Pius XII on May 7, 1950.

Anthony Mary Claret's life is an embodiment of unwavering faith and devotion to the mission of Christ. His story reassures us that no matter where we are or what we are doing, God's call can reach us.

A Legacy of Love and Service

Though Saint Anthony Mary Claret is remembered for many things, his love for the Eucharist and devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary stand out. Even today, his writings inspire many to grow deeper in their Catholic faith and commit themselves to a life of service.

So, as we remember and celebrate the life of Saint Anthony Mary Claret, let us pray:

"Saint Anthony Mary Claret, help us to follow your example of deep trust in God and tireless service to others. Inspire us to seek Christ in every person we meet, and in every circumstance we encounter. Amen."

We are all called to sainthood, just like Anthony Mary Claret was. Through his example of humility, dedication, and love, we are inspired to heed our own calls, live out our faith, and serve as beacons of Christ's light to the world. We continue to ask for the intercession of Saint Anthony Mary Claret to guide us in our journey of faith, entrusting our path into his capable hands.

May the story of Saint Anthony Mary Claret ignite a spark within you. And may this spark illuminate your way, guiding you closer to the heart of God. Remember, no call from God is too insignificant, no mission too small, and no act of love ever wasted.

Daily Mass - Wednesday, June 28, 2023 - Fr. Anthony Afful-Broni, Our Lady of Lourdes Church.

Funeral Mass for Malia Dakota Jusczyk, 6-28-23

????⛓️ “SLAVES AND KINGS: The history of St. Antonio María Claret”

What is Saint Anthony Mary Claret known for?

Saint Anthony Mary Claret is celebrated for his spiritual writings and his work as a missionary. Born in Spain in 1807, he became a priest and eventually the Archbishop of Santiago, Cuba. He was known for his bold preaching and tireless work to educate the poor and promote social justice.

In addition to his pastoral duties, Saint Anthony Mary Claret founded the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, also known as the Claretians. This religious congregation focused on the education of priests, spreading the Catholic faith, and promoting human rights.

His extensive spiritual writings are still read today. They include sermons, letters, and books on theology, spirituality, and pastoral practice. Some of his well-known works include "The Golden Key to Heaven" and "The Well-Instructed Seminarian."

In his lifetime, Saint Anthony was reportedly gifted with various miracles and prophetic abilities, including the ability to heal the sick.

He died in 1870 and was canonized as a saint in 1950 by Pope Pius XII. Saint Anthony Mary Claret is considered the patron saint of weavers (due to his early profession), as well as of savings and of the Claretian missionaries. His feast day is celebrated on October 24.

What can we learn from St Anthony Mary Claret?

Saint Anthony Mary Claret was a man of great spirituality and commitment to the Catholic faith. There are several lessons we can draw from his life and teachings.

Unwavering Dedication to God's Word: St. Anthony Mary Claret was known for his deep devotion to God's Word. Throughout his life, he tirelessly preached the gospel, traveling constantly to reach as many people as possible. He believed in the transformative power of God's word, and he committed himself fully to that mission. This teaches us the importance of being dedicated to understanding and spreading God's teachings.

Commitment to Education: St. Anthony Mary Claret was a devoted educator. He felt a strong calling to improve literacy and education among the poor. He founded a religious order, the Claretians, to further this mission. Today, we can look to St. Anthony Mary Claret as an example of the crucial role that education plays in spiritual and personal development.

Sacrifice for Others: He maintains a selfless spirit, always thinking about others before himself. It became evident when he donated the inheritance he received from his parents to the seminary where he studied. St. Anthony Mary Claret's life of sacrifice teaches us about the importance of giving for the benefit of others, whether it be our time, resources, or energy.

Zeal for Social Justice: During his tenure as the Archbishop of Santiago in Cuba, he fought for various social justice causes. He worked tirelessly against the slave trade and sought to improve conditions for workers. His dedication demonstrates how faith calls us to actively fight injustice and uphold the dignity of all humans.

St. Anthony Mary Claret teaches us that our faith should be active and transformative, impacting not just ourselves but also those around us. These lessons from his life provide a roadmap for living a life of faith that is deeply committed to service, education, and justice.

How did Saint Anthony Mary Claret become saint?

Anthony Mary Claret was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church due to his devout life of service, his founding of the Claretians, and the posthumous miracles attributed to him.

Born on December 23, 1807 in Catalonia, Spain, Anthony became a priest in 1835. His deep piety and missionary fervor were immediately evident. He spent time as a parish priest before he went to Rome, where he was moved by the widespread spiritual need he observed. There, he founded the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, or the Claretians, dedicated to the proclamation of the Gospel, particularly among the poor and marginalized.

In 1850, he was appointed Archbishop of Santiago, Cuba, where he revitalized the diocese, opened schools, and fought against the slave trade. His tireless work, however, led to numerous death threats, and after an unsuccessful assassination attempt, he returned to Spain.

He continued his work, becoming confessor to Queen Isabella II, but was exiled when a revolution deposed the monarchy in 1868. He died in 1870 in a Cistercian monastery in France.

The cause for his canonization began in 1899, and on February 25, 1934, he was beatified by Pope Pius XI. His canonization came on May 7, 1950, by Pope Pius XII.

The canonization process requires proof of miracles, brought about through the candidate's intercession. Two miracles associated with Anthony Mary Claret met this criterion. The first involved the inexplicable healing of a nun, Sister Joan Romeu, who suffered from spinal meningitis. The second was the cure of a severe throat disease afflicting Josefa Paredes Gómez. Both miracles were accepted by the Vatican as genuine, clearing the final hurdle for Claret's canonization.

Therefore, Saint Anthony Mary Claret is recognized as a saint due to his profound impact on the Church as a founder, bishop, and confessor, and because of the miraculous healings attributed to him after his death.

What did Claret do in Cuba?

Saint Anthony Mary Claret performed many significant roles in Cuba. He was appointed as the Archbishop of Santiago in 1849, making him the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church in Cuba. His primary aim was to help reform the church and invigorate Catholicism on the island.

During his tenure, Claret dedicated himself to improving education, human rights, and living conditions for all Cubans. He founded the Teaching University in Santiago de Cuba and the Apostolic College.

He also set up trade and music schools. One of his major contributions was establishing a new diocesan library which was home to over 20,000 volumes. This was all part of his broader focus on improving the standard of education in Cuba.

In addition to this, he fought vehemently against the then prevalent slave trade. He considered this as a grave violation of human rights. Claret didn't fear the powerful slave traders and even survived an assassination attempt believed to have been orchestrated by them.

Finally, Claret worked tirelessly on spiritual matters. He carried out missions throughout the island, confirmed hundreds of thousands of people, and produced numerous pastoral letters commenting on issues such as catechizing and priestly formation. He also introduced the daily recitation of the Angelus prayer in churches across Cuba.

Therefore, Claret's influence in Cuba was significant, spanning education, human rights, and religious observance. He made a substantial difference in Cuban society and the Catholic Church during his time there.

Who is Anthony Mary Claret and what role did he play in the Catholic Saint history?

Anthony Mary Claret was a significant figure in the history of Catholic saints. Born on December 23, 1807, in Catalonia, Spain, he was known primarily as a preacher, author, and missionary. He played a pivotal role in reinvigorating the Catholic Church's missionary activities in the 19th century.

Saint Anthony was ordained a priest in 1835 and soon after embarked on a career of preaching parish missions throughout Catalonia. His charisma and dedication drew multitudes, helping him to establish the Claretians – a congregation of Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, committed to evangelism and pastoral work.

In 1849, he was appointed Archbishop of Santiago, Cuba, where he initiated significant reforms and fought for the education and social welfare of the populace, even surviving an assassination attempt. His impact was such that upon his return to Spain in 1857, he was appointed confessor to Queen Isabella II and continued advocating for educational and spiritual reform.

What are the significant achievements of Anthony Mary Claret during his sainthood?

Saint Anthony Mary Claret achieved significant milestones during his lifetime that contributed to his holy sainthood in the Catholic church.

Firstly, he founded the Claretian Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, commonly known as the Claretians. His primary purpose for establishing this congregation was to spread the word of God and preserve the faith throughout the world. This missionary became instrumental in religious evangelization, which has impacted the lives of many people globally.

Secondly, his role as Archbishop of Santiago, Cuba contributed significantly to his sainthood. During his tenure, he brought about educational and social reforms while working tirelessly to improve conditions for the poor. He also advocated for the abolition of slavery, demonstrating a strong commitment to social justice.

Finally, his writings played an essential role in his path to sainthood. He authored numerous books and pamphlets on spirituality, theology, and catechism, influencing the spiritual lives of many individuals. Among his popular works include "The Golden Key to Heaven" and "The Well-Instructed Seminarian."

In his later years, despite facing persecution and exile, Saint Anthony Mary Claret remained committed to his faith and mission of serving God and the Church. His resilience and devotion led to his beatification in 1934 and canonization in 1950 by Pope Pius XII. His feast day is celebrated on October 24th in honor of his exemplary life and service to the church.

How did Anthony Mary Claret shape the teachings and traditions of Catholic faith?

St. Anthony Mary Claret significantly shaped the teachings and traditions of Catholicism through his influential actions as a fervent evangelizer, founder of the congregation, and an advocate for education and social justice.

Born on December 23, 1807, in Sallent, Spain, Claret became a priest in 1835, and his passion for preaching led him to set up the Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, known as the Claretians. His work primarily focused on evangelization efforts, including preaching retreats and missions, particularly amongst the poor and marginalized. This was a significant departure from the norm at the time, representing a shift towards a more proactive and inclusive approach to outreach, which has since been incorporated into modern Catholic teachings and traditions.

As the Archbishop of Santiago, Cuba, Claret initiated widespread reforms, building churches, schools, and hospitals, and establishing spiritual exercises for his clergy to ensure they were prepared to properly shepherd their flock. His commitment to education, both religious and secular, has deeply influenced the Catholic Church's current emphasis on the value of education.

St. Anthony Mary Claret also fought vigorously against slavery - a stance that in the 19th century was ahead of his time and marked him as a pioneer in social justice within the Church. Today, this commitment to social justice is a key pillar of Catholic teaching.

An important aspect of St. Claret's legacy is that he is one of the Church’s outstanding mystics. He had an intimate relationship with the Blessed Virgin Mary, who guided him in his difficult tasks. Moreover, he experienced several mystical phenomena such as prophecy, reading of hearts, and miracles of healing, some of which are well documented.

St. Anthony Mary Claret's life remains a powerful witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. His initiatives, particularly in the areas of evangelization, education, and social justice, continue to shape the teachings and traditions of the Catholic faith to this day. His feast day is celebrated on October 24th.

What miracles are attributed to Anthony Mary Claret, leading to his canonization?

Anthony Mary Claret was known for his spiritual dedication, evangelistic zeal and, ultimately, his miracles. The miracles that led to his canonization are predominantly about miraculous healings.

The first miracle that contributed to the canonization process of Anthony Mary Claret took place in 1899. A 20-year-old woman named María Isabel Campón y Salas, who was suffering from an incurable uterine tumor, unexpectedly healed after praying to Claret. Doctors described her recovery as inexplicable.

The second miracle happened to a young woman named Maria Merce Prat I Colom in 1934. She was diagnosed with acute meningitis and was in a coma for ninety hours. Her condition was considered hopeless by doctors. However, she recovered instantly after being administered Claret's relic and survived without any after-effects.

Both these miracles were carefully investigated by Church authorities and subsequently recognized by Pope Pius XII on 7th February 1950. After these recognitions, Anthony Mary Claret was canonized as a saint on 7th May 1950.

How can modern Catholics draw inspiration from the life and work of Anthony Mary Claret?

Saint Anthony Mary Claret was a man deeply committed to faith, service, and evangelization. The intensity of his spiritual life coupled with his relentless commitment to education and social justice offer several key lessons for modern Catholics.

Firstly, the devotion of Saint Anthony Mary Claret to his faith is an inspiration to all Catholics. Despite facing obstacles and challenges, he remained unwavering in his faith and dedication to the Church. This shows us that a steadfast commitment to our faith and trust in God can help us navigate the difficulties we encounter in our daily lives.

Secondly, Saint Anthony Mary Claret's work for social justice stands as an example of living out the Gospel. He actively campaigned against slavery and advocated for the rights of the poor. In today's world, where poverty and injustice still exist, modern Catholics can take a page from Saint Anthony's book by fostering a strong sense of social responsibility and working towards creating a fair and just society.

Thirdly, his focus on education and literacy serves as a reminder of the importance of intellectual growth in our spiritual journey. Saint Anthony Mary Claret established schools and libraries, placing special emphasis on equipping people with knowledge. Modern Catholics can draw inspiration from this, acknowledging that pursuing knowledge and understanding are integral components of our faith journey.

Finally, his evangelistic zeal is a call to share our faith with others. He tirelessly preached the Gospel, converted many to Catholicism, and founded the Claretians to continue his missionary work. This is a reminder for modern Catholics that spreading the Gospel is not only an act of obedience but also a way of expressing love for others.

In conclusion, the life and work of Saint Anthony Mary Claret provides relatable guidance on how to live faithfully, advocate for social justice, pursue knowledge, and share our faith with others. His story serves as an enduring testament to the profound impact one person can have when they dedicate their life to serving God and others.