St. Anthony Mary Claret

Anthony was born in Spain in the year 1807. Anthony at first took up his father's trade of weaving, however, soon decided that he would like to become a priest, and began studying for the priesthood. Anthony desired to become a Jesuit, but illness prevented him from joining the order, leading him to serve as a secular priest. In 1849 He founded the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, known today as the Claretians. Anthony participated in the first Vatican Council. He died in a Cistercian Monastery in Southern France in 1870. During his life, Anthony had the gift of prophesy and performed many miracles. St. Anthony Marie Claret's feast day is celebrated on October 24th.