Oct 24, About Today for Thursday of the 30th week of Ordinary Time

October 24

Saint Anthony Mary Claret

Optional Memorial

St. Anthony Mary Claret was born near Barcelona in 1807. The son of a wool manufacturer, he became a weaver; but at age 22, he decided to enter a seminary. After ordination, he discovered his heart for missionary work. In 1848, he traveled to the Canary Islands and ran retreats for 15 months. Upon his return, he founded the Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary as well as an extremely successful publishing company. His efforts were recognized, and at the request of Queen Isabella II of Spain, Pius IX made him Archbishop of Cuba. He traveled to Cuba and served faithfully, building a hospital and numerous schools. At age 50, he returned to Spain and became confessor to Isabella II. He preached widely and established religious libraries. Also, he founded a scientific lab, a natural history museum, as well as a school of language and music. He was canonized in 1950 by Pope Pius XII. [1]