St. Anthony Mary Claret: Founder of the Claretians and Champion of the Poor
Life of St. Anthony Mary Claret:
St. Anthony Mary Claret was born on December 23, 1807, in Sallent, Spain. From a young age, he displayed a deep love for God and a passion for serving others. After becoming a priest, he dedicated his life to preaching and promoting the Gospel. In 1849, he founded the Congregation of the Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, commonly known as the Claretians, to address the spiritual needs of the poor and to evangelize through preaching and education.
Claret’s missionary zeal took him throughout Spain and into Cuba, where he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the marginalized. He was known for his innovative preaching style, using simple language and relatable examples to reach people from all walks of life. Claret also emphasized the importance of education and established schools and missions to promote literacy and moral instruction.
His commitment to social justice and service extended beyond preaching. He was an advocate for the poor, supporting initiatives that helped the needy and marginalized. In 1868, after experiencing political turmoil in Spain, Claret returned to his ministry, always remaining focused on his mission of spreading God’s love and truth.
St. Anthony Mary Claret passed away on October 24, 1870. He was canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1950 and is celebrated for his devotion to the Gospel, his love for the poor, and his founding of the Claretians.
Practical Lessons:
Lesson 1: Use Your Gifts to Serve Others: Claret’s commitment to preaching and education teaches us to identify our own skills and use them to help others. Whether you are good at teaching, cooking, or listening, find ways to share your talents with your community or support someone in need, like tutoring a child or cooking for a neighbor.
Lesson 2: Advocate for Social Justice: St. Anthony Mary Claret’s advocacy for the marginalized inspires us to be active in our communities. Look for local organizations that support the poor and volunteer your time. You could also donate clothes or food, participate in community clean-up days, or support initiatives that promote equity and justice.
Quote from St. Anthony Mary Claret:
“I have come to light the fire of divine love on the earth; I wish it were already burning.”
