- 23 October, 2026
France, 24 October 2026: How can one person's faith inspire countless people to discover the love of God? Saint Anthony Mary Claret, a Spanish missionary, archbishop and founder of the Claretian Missionaries, devoted his life to preaching the Gospel, promoting Catholic education and bringing people closer to Jesus Christ. Through his powerful sermons, writings and compassionate service, he became a remarkable example of missionary zeal and unwavering faith.
Feast Day: 24 October
Born: 23 December 1807, Sallent, Catalonia, Spain
Died: 24 October 1870, Fontfroide, France
Canonised By: Pope Pius XII on 7 May 1950
Known For: Founding the Claretian Missionaries, missionary preaching and promoting devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Title: Missionary, Archbishop and Founder of the Claretians
Saint Anthony Mary Claret was born Antonio María Claret y Clará in Sallent, near Barcelona, Spain. He grew up in a deeply Christian family whose livelihood depended on textile weaving. From childhood, he developed a strong devotion to the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary.
As a young man, Anthony demonstrated considerable skill in the textile industry and travelled to Barcelona to improve his knowledge of the trade. However, his growing desire to serve God led him to reconsider his career. After a period of prayer and discernment, he entered the seminary and was ordained a priest in 1835.
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His priestly ministry soon became centred on preaching, prayer and missionary work.
Anthony became known for travelling extensively to preach the Gospel, particularly throughout Catalonia and the Canary Islands. He often travelled on foot, delivering sermons and encouraging people to return to the practice of their faith.
In 1849, he founded the Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, popularly known as the Claretians. The congregation was established to spread the Gospel through preaching, education and missionary service.
He also recognised the importance of printed materials in evangelisation. Through books, pamphlets and other religious publications, he helped make Catholic teachings accessible to a wider audience.
In 1850, Saint Anthony was appointed Archbishop of Santiago de Cuba. During his ministry, he worked to strengthen religious life, improve priestly formation and promote education.
He also addressed social concerns and defended human dignity in a challenging environment. His efforts attracted opposition, and he endured threats and an assassination attempt. Despite these dangers, he continued his pastoral mission with determination and faith.
In 1857, Anthony returned to Spain and became confessor to Queen Isabella II. Although this position brought him into the royal court, he remained committed to preaching, writing and promoting Catholic education.
He later participated in the First Vatican Council in 1869–1870, where he supported the Church's teaching on papal infallibility. Political upheaval eventually led him into exile in France, where he spent his final days at the Cistercian monastery of Fontfroide.
Saint Anthony Mary Claret died on 24 October 1870, at the Cistercian monastery of Fontfroide in southern France. His life of prayer, missionary preaching and service left a lasting impression on the Catholic Church.
Pope Pius XI beatified him in 1934, and Pope Pius XII canonised him on 7 May 1950. Today, he is honoured as the founder of the Claretians and a great missionary saint whose work continues through Claretian communities around the world.
His life encourages Catholics to share their faith with courage, remain devoted to prayer and use their talents to serve others. He reminds believers that evangelisation can take many forms, including preaching, teaching, writing and caring for people in need.
His devotion to the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary also highlights the importance of prayer and trust in God throughout life's challenges.
Saint Anthony Mary Claret's legacy continues through the Claretian Missionaries and their work in education, pastoral ministry and evangelisation. His example demonstrates how faith, perseverance and a sincere love for others can make a lasting difference in the world.
His motto, “Caritas Christi urget nos” — “The love of Christ impels us” — captures the spirit of his mission and invites Christians to share God's love through their daily lives.
Saint Anthony Mary Claret, pray for us!
To know about more saints and Catholic feast days, please visit the spiritual section.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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