Anthony Mary Claret
Anthony Mary Claret was a Spanish Catholic prelate and missionary, most notably serving as Archbishop of Santiago de Cuba and confessor to Queen Isabella II. He is chiefly remembered for founding the congregation of Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, commonly known as the Claretians, and for his prolific writing and preaching that revitalized the Catalan language.
- Feast Day
- October 24
- Century
- 19th century
- Country Or Region
- Spain
Key Facts
- ›He was born Antoni Maria Claret I Clarà on December 23, 1807, in Sallent, Spain.
- ›Claret worked as a weaver and Jacquard loom programmer before entering the seminary.
- ›He founded the Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Claretians) on July 16, 1849.
- ›He served as Archbishop of Santiago de Cuba from 1850 to 1857.
- ›He was the confessor of Queen Isabella II of Spain.
- ›Anthony Mary Claret wrote 144 books, contributing to the revival of the Catalan language.
Antoni Maria Claret i Clarà, Antonio María Claret y Clarà
Claretians
About Anthony Mary Claret
Anthony Mary Claret (born Antoni Maria Claret i Clarà; December 23, 1807 – October 24, 1870) was a Spanish Catholic prelate and missionary. He is widely recognized for his founding of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, a religious congregation commonly known as the Claretians, which has established missions across five continents.
Life and Ministry
Born in Sallent, Province of Barcelona, Claret's early life involved work as a wool manufacturer's son and later as a weaver and Jacquard loom programmer. He received an elementary education and developed proficiency in Latin, French, and engraving. Feeling a call to religious life, he entered the diocesan seminary at Vic in 1829 and was ordained a priest on June 13, 1835. Claret was drawn to missionary work and, after a period of pastoral ministry in Spain, he proceeded to Rome. Though he entered the Jesuit novitiate, he left due to ill health. He then engaged in pastoral ministry in Spain, attracting notice for his efforts on behalf of the poor. He was sent as an Apostolic Missionary throughout Catalonia, where his eloquent preaching and lengthy hours in the confessional drew large crowds.
In 1848, due to threats from anti-clericalists, he was sent to the Canary Islands, where he conducted missions for 15 months. Upon his return to mainland Spain, on July 16, 1849, he established the Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and founded the "Librería Religiosa" in Barcelona.
Archbishop and Royal Confessor
In 1849, Pope Pius IX appointed Claret Archbishop of Santiago de Cuba at the request of the Spanish crown. During his tenure, he reorganized the seminary, strengthened clerical discipline, validated numerous marriages, and established a hospital and schools. He conducted extensive visitations of his diocese and initiated vocational schools and credit unions for the poor. His work led to opposition and an assassination attempt in Holguín, where his cheek was stabbed.
In February 1857, Queen Isabella II recalled him to Spain and made him her confessor. He resigned his Cuban see and was appointed to the titular see of Trajanopolis. His influence was then directed towards helping the poor and propagating learning. For nine years, he served as rector of the Escorial monastic school, where he developed scientific and educational facilities.
Later Years and Legacy
Following a revolution in 1868 that deposed Queen Isabella II, Claret accompanied her into exile in Paris, and later went to Rome. He continued his popular missions and distribution of books. In 1869, he went to Rome to prepare for the First Vatican Council. Due to failing health, he withdrew to the French Pyrenees and later to the Cistercian abbey at Fontfroide, where he died on October 24, 1870.
Anthony Mary Claret wrote 144 books, and his works contributed to the revival of the Catalan language. In addition to the Claretians, he founded or drew up rules for several communities of religious sisters. He was declared venerable in 1899, beatified in 1934, and canonized by Pope Pius XII on May 7, 1950. Numerous educational institutions, run by the Claretians, are named after him and are located globally. Anthony Mary Claret is the patron saint of weavers.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Anthony Mary Claret born?
Anthony Mary Claret was born on December 23, 1807, in Sallent, in the county of Bages, Province of Barcelona, Spain.
What religious congregation did Anthony Mary Claret found?
He founded the Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, commonly known as the Claretians, on July 16, 1849.
What significant roles did Anthony Mary Claret hold in the Church?
He served as Archbishop of Santiago de Cuba and was the confessor of Queen Isabella II of Spain.
What is Anthony Mary Claret known for in terms of his writings?
Anthony Mary Claret was a prolific writer, authoring 144 books. His sermons and writings were instrumental in the revival of the Catalan language.
What is Anthony Mary Claret the patron saint of?
Anthony Mary Claret is the patron saint of weavers.
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