Saint of the Day: St. Anthony Mary Claret | October 24

By SIDTP SoCom

Published on October 24, 2024

St. Anthony Mary Claret, born on December 23, 1807, in Sallent, Spain, was a prominent priest, missionary, and founder of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, known as the Claretians. From a young age, Claret exhibited a strong devotion to God and a passion for preaching, which he pursued after his ordination in 1835.

Claret dedicated his life to evangelization, traveling extensively throughout Spain and Cuba, where he served as a bishop. His dynamic preaching style and commitment to social justice drew large crowds, as he addressed the spiritual and material needs of the people. He founded the Claretians to foster missionary work and promote the message of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, emphasizing devotion to Mary as a path to Christ.

In addition to his missionary efforts, Claret was a prolific writer and publisher, producing numerous books, pamphlets, and periodicals to spread the faith. He addressed various social issues, advocating for the poor and calling for reform in society.

After facing political unrest in Spain, Claret was exiled to France, where he continued his work until his death on October 24, 1870. He was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1950, and his feast day is celebrated on October 24.

St. Anthony Mary Claret’s legacy endures through the ongoing work of the Claretians and his teachings on evangelization, social justice, and devotion to Mary. He serves as an inspiring example of how faith can be lived out through action and service to others.

Sources:
1. Claret, Anthony Mary. “Autobiography of St. Anthony Mary Claret.” 1870.
2. O’Toole, Thomas. “St. Anthony Mary Claret: The Apostle of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.” 2007.