Saint Anthony Mary Claret

Bishop and founder of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

The 24th of October is the feast day of Saint Anthony Mary Claret. He is the patron saint of textile merchants, weavers, savings (taught the poor the importance of savings), Catholic press, Claretians, Dioceses of the Canary Islands, Claretian students, Claretian educators and Claretian educational institutions, and Foundations.



Saint Anthony Mary Claret lived between 1807 and 1870 and was the fifth of eleven children, born in Spain. His father was a weaver and he took up the trade before entering the priesthood, serving as a parish priest. He preached multiple sermons throughout the day, and preached in missions and retreats for the clergy, hearing confessions for many hours. Many returned to the Catholic faith because of him, as he was also meek and gentle of manner. He became Archbishop of Santiago and went to Cuba from 1849-1857. His life was threatened due to his reforms and he was called back to Spain becoming confessor to the queen. He founded the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, also known as the Claretians. He founded a major Catholic publisher in Spain, publishing and writing many hundreds of books. He was persecuted due to his efforts and was exiled to Paris with the Spanish queen by the revolutionary enemies of religion. He took part in the First Vatican Council and then suffered a stroke. He had the gift of prophesy and reading of consciences, and performed many miracles. A light shining from his face was observed as he offered Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.