Feast Day: March 15
Patronage: Vienna, Austria; Warsaw, Poland; bakers
Early Life and Vocation
Saint Clement Mary Hofbauer (originally named John Hofbauer) was born on December 26, 1751, in Tasswitz (now Tasovice, Czech Republic), then part of Moravia in the Habsburg Empire. He was the ninth of twelve children in a devout Catholic family. His father, a butcher, died when Clement was only six years old, leaving the family in financial difficulty. Despite his deep desire for the priesthood, poverty forced him to work as a baker in his youth.
After a pilgrimage to Rome, he was inspired by the life of Saint Francis of Assisi and attempted to become a hermit, taking the name Clement Mary in honor of Pope Clement I and the Blessed Virgin Mary. However, God had other plans for him. He later studied at the University of Vienna, and through the generosity of a benefactor, he was able to continue his theological studies.
Redemptorist Missionary
In 1784, at the age of 33, Clement and his friend Thaddeus Hübl traveled to Italy, where they joined the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (the Redemptorists), founded by Saint Alphonsus Liguori. They were both ordained priests in 1785 and were sent as the first Redemptorist missionaries beyond Italy, tasked with spreading the Gospel in northern and eastern Europe.
They arrived in Warsaw, Poland, where they ministered to the German-speaking and Polish populations. Despite political turmoil under foreign rule, Clement and his companions founded the Church of Saint Benno, where they tirelessly preached, administered sacraments, and ran an orphanage and schools for poor children.
Challenges and Expulsion
Clement’s work in Warsaw flourished, drawing thousands of people, including young men who later became Redemptorist priests. However, anti-Catholic laws and political hostility under the Napoleonic government led to the suppression of his mission. In 1808, the Redemptorists were expelled, and Clement was arrested and exiled from Poland.
He made his way to Vienna, where he continued his apostolic work, despite further persecution. There, he became a sought-after confessor and spiritual director, influencing both laypeople and clergy. His spiritual guidance played a significant role in renewing the Catholic faith in Vienna.
Legacy and Death
Saint Clement Hofbauer is often called the “Second Founder of the Redemptorists” because he established their presence outside Italy, paving the way for their future expansion throughout Europe. He lived a life of unceasing prayer, charity, and zeal for souls.
On March 15, 1820, he died at the age of 68. His reputation for holiness and miracles spread quickly, leading to his beatification in 1888 and his canonization by Pope Pius X in 1909.
Spiritual Teachings and Impact
Saint Clement emphasized trust in Divine Providence, simplicity, and complete abandonment to God’s will. He famously said:
“Leave the care of your future to Divine Providence. Do what you can today and leave tomorrow to God.”
His work laid the foundation for the widespread mission of the Redemptorists, particularly in Germany, Austria, and beyond. Today, he is honored as the patron of Vienna and is a model for all who seek to bring Christ to a troubled world.
Conclusion
Saint Clement Mary Hofbauer’s life was marked by poverty, exile, and perseverance, yet his unshakable faith and missionary zeal bore immense fruit. His devotion to the poor, his love for the Eucharist, and his commitment to Catholic renewal continue to inspire the faithful.
May his example encourage us to trust in God and labor tirelessly for His kingdom!
Saint Clement Mary Hofbauer, pray for us! 🙏