A weaver turned priest, he preached missions throughout Catalonia and founded the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Claretians. As Archbishop of Santiago de Cuba he worked for both social reform and spiritual renewal.
Life
Saint Anthony Mary Claret was born in Catalonia, Spain, in 1807. He worked as a weaver in his youth, then became a priest and preached tirelessly as a missionary in Catalonia and the Canary Islands. He also spread the Gospel through the press, publishing many books and pamphlets.
In 1849 he founded the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (the Claretians), and later served as Archbishop of Santiago de Cuba, working for social reform and pastoral care. Back in Spain he was confessor to Queen Isabella II and took part in the First Vatican Council. He died in exile in France in 1870 and was canonized in 1950. The Church remembers him on October 24.
Spirituality
Claret's spirituality is missionary zeal entrusted to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. He sought to share the Gospel by every means available: preaching and writing, pastoral work and social reform. Amid opposition and threats, he longed to be a person on fire with God's love.
Reflection
Claret used the printing press, the new tool of his day, to spread the Gospel. Could I also share good news with someone through the social media and messages I use today?