Saint Anthony Mary Claret
Feast day: October 24
Archbishop, founder of the Claretians, and apostle of the family and Catholic media.
Anthony Claret was born in Sallent, Catalonia, on December 23, 1807, son of a weaver.
Ordained priest in 1835, he devoted himself to popular missions and publishing books and pamphlets for Christian formation.
In 1849 he founded the Congregation of Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Claretians).
Appointed archbishop of Santiago de Cuba in 1850, he reformed the clergy, promoted education, and defended the poor and enslaved.
Confessor to Queen Isabella II of Spain, he suffered attacks and exile for defending the Church and Christian morality.
He died on October 24, 1870, in exile in France. He was canonized in 1950 by Pius XII. His liturgical feast is October 24.
Dedicated prayer
To the archbishop and founder of the Claretians, we ask apostolic zeal and intercession for families.
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