St. Anthony Mary Claret (1807–1870) was a Spanish archbishop, missionary, and founder of the Claretian order, renowned for his zealous evangelization efforts and deep spiritual writings. He was born on December 23, 1807, in Sallent, Catalonia, into a devout Catholic family of weavers. His early years were marked by a strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and a deep longing for the priesthood. Despite his humble beginnings, young Anthony showed a keen intellect and a deep piety, which guided him toward a life of holiness and apostolic service.
Early Life and Priesthood
Anthony entered the seminary in Vic in 1829, where he distinguished himself by his dedication to prayer, study, and a rigorous asceticism. He was ordained a priest in 1835. At that time, Spain was undergoing considerable political and religious turmoil, including the suppression of monasteries and anti-clericalism. Undeterred by these challenges, Fr. Claret began his ministry with a passion for preaching and pastoral care.
Desiring to become a missionary, he initially considered joining the Jesuits but felt called to remain in Spain, where he traveled extensively to preach missions. His sermons often attracted large crowds, and he quickly became renowned for his clarity, fervor, and ability to inspire conversion. St. Anthony preached tirelessly, sometimes giving up to five sermons a day, walking from town to town.
Missionary Work and Founding of the Claretians
In 1849, responding to a divine inspiration, he founded the Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, now known as the Claretian Missionaries. The order was dedicated to spreading the Gospel, with a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Claretians sought to foster a renewal of the faith through missions, publications, and social initiatives.
St. Anthony believed deeply in the power of the printed word for evangelization, and he authored numerous books and pamphlets. His writings covered a wide range of topics, including moral theology, spiritual direction, and devotional practices, making them accessible to the laity.
Archbishop of Santiago, Cuba
In 1850, Pope Pius IX appointed Claret as the Archbishop of Santiago de Cuba, a diocese plagued by corruption, religious indifference, and widespread immorality. Despite facing severe opposition and even assassination attempts, he undertook a comprehensive reform of the clergy, revitalized parish life, and promoted Christian education. He worked to improve the living conditions of the people, established credit unions, and advocated for social justice, especially denouncing the injustices of slavery.
Mystical Gifts and Persecution
St. Anthony was known to have mystical experiences, including ecstasies, visions, and even the gift of bilocation. His profound union with God was marked by deep prayer and penitential practices. His intense life of apostolic zeal drew not only admiration but also hostility, as his efforts to reform Cuban society earned him many enemies. He survived multiple assassination attempts, one of which left him severely injured.
Later Years and Council of Vatican I
In 1857, Queen Isabella II of Spain called him back to serve as her confessor. Although this role placed him in a position of influence, he used it primarily to promote the cause of the Church and the moral reform of the court. His dedication to his spiritual and pastoral mission remained unwavering even amid the political upheavals in Spain, including his eventual exile with the queen in 1868.
St. Anthony participated in the First Vatican Council (1869-1870), where he defended the doctrine of papal infallibility. He continued to promote devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and the Immaculate Heart of Mary until his health deteriorated.
Death and Canonization
Exiled from Spain, he spent his last days in a Cistercian monastery in Fontfroide, France, where he died on October 24, 1870. His life of heroic virtue and missionary spirit was officially recognized by the Church when he was beatified in 1934 and canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1950.
Legacy
St. Anthony Mary Claret is remembered as a model missionary, a reformer of the clergy, a defender of social justice, and a spiritual writer whose works continue to inspire the faithful. His life exemplified a profound love for God, a tireless commitment to the salvation of souls, and an unwavering devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Claretian order he founded remains active worldwide, continuing his mission of spreading the Gospel and serving the poor.