Anthony Maria Zaccaria
Anthony Maria Zaccaria was an Italian Catholic priest and a key figure in the Counter-Reformation. He is remembered as the founder of the Barnabites and for promoting devotion to the Passion of Christ and the Eucharist, leading to a renewal of religious life among the laity. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church.
- Feast Day
- July 5
- Century
- 16th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Anthony Maria Zaccaria was born in Cremona, Italy, in December 1502.
- ›He studied medicine at the University of Padua and practiced as a physician before becoming a priest.
- ›He founded the Clerics Regular of Saint Paul (Barnabites), the Angelic Sisters of St. Paul, and the Laity of Saint Paul.
- ›Zaccaria promoted devotion to the Passion of Christ and the Eucharist, and revived the custom of ringing church bells at 3:00 p.M. on Fridays in Milan.
- ›He was canonized by Pope Leo XIII on may 27, 1897.
- ›His mortal remains are enshrined at the Church of Saint Barnabas in Milan, Italy.
Antonio Maria Zaccaria
About Anthony Maria Zaccaria
Anthony Maria Zaccaria (1502–1539)
Anthony Maria Zaccaria, born in Cremona, Italy, in December 1502, was an Italian Catholic priest and a significant early figure in the Counter-Reformation. He is primarily remembered as the founder of the Barnabites, a religious order dedicated to spiritual renewal and apostolic action. Zaccaria was deeply committed to promoting devotion to the Passion of Christ and the Eucharist, and he sought to revitalize religious life among both clergy and the laity.
Life and Ministry
Born into a noble family, Zaccaria's early life was marked by compassion for the poor, influenced by his mother. He pursued studies in philosophy at the University of Pavia and medicine at the University of Padua, practicing as a physician before dedicating himself to the priesthood. Ordained in 1529, he became a spiritual advisor and moved to Milan, where he met Bartolomeo Ferrari and Giacomo Antonio Morigia. Together, they formed a community focused on the teachings of St. Paul, emphasizing love for the Eucharist and Christ crucified. Zaccaria was instrumental in reviving the practice of ringing church bells on Fridays at 3:00 p.m. in Milan to commemorate the Passion and death of Jesus.
Foundations and Reform
With encouragement from Pope Clement VII, Zaccaria established his community life near the church of St. Catherine. This led to the founding of three religious institutes: the Clerics Regular of Saint Paul (Barnabites), the Angelic Sisters of St. Paul (uncloistered nuns), and the Laity of Saint Paul (a lay congregation). These foundations aimed at reforming society, starting with the clergy and religious. Zaccaria also popularized the Forty-hour devotion for the laity, involving the solemn exposition of the Blessed Sacrament for adoration.
Writings and Legacy
Anthony Maria Zaccaria's surviving writings include twelve letters, six sermons, and the constitution of the Barnabites. His letters, often written in plain language, reveal a rich spirituality and serve as his final testament to the three families he founded. His sermons, characterized by logical reasoning and scriptural depth, were likely delivered at the Amicizia Oratory. He was canonized by Pope Leo XIII in 1897, and his feast day is observed on July 5th. He is also recognized as a patron saint of physicians. His mortal remains are enshrined at the Church of Saint Barnabas in Milan.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Anthony Maria Zaccaria born and when did he die?
Anthony Maria Zaccaria was born in December 1502 and died on July 5, 1539. He was 36 years old at the time of his death.
What religious orders did Anthony Maria Zaccaria found?
He founded three religious institutes: the Clerics Regular of Saint Paul, commonly known as the Barnabites; the Angelic Sisters of St. Paul; and the Laity of Saint Paul.
What were the main devotions promoted by Anthony Maria Zaccaria?
Zaccaria promoted devotion to the Passion of Christ, the Eucharist, and the renewal of religious life among the laity. He is credited with reviving the custom of ringing church bells at 3:00 p.m. on Fridays in Milan to remember Christ's passion.
Where are the mortal remains of Anthony Maria Zaccaria enshrined?
His mortal remains are enshrined at the Church of Saint Barnabas in Milan, Italy.
What writings did Anthony Maria Zaccaria leave behind?
He left a few writings, including twelve letters, six sermons, and the constitution of the Barnabites. His letters are characterized by plain language and extraordinary spirituality.
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