Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Hello and happy Tuesday to everyone! 

Today our faith celebrates the life of St. Anthony Mary Claret (1807-1870). Franciscan Media notes that “The “spiritual father of Cuba” was a missionary, religious founder, social reformer, queen’s chaplain, writer and publisher, archbishop, and refugee. He was a Spaniard whose work took him to the Canary Islands, Cuba, Madrid, Paris, and to the First Vatican Council.

Anthony spent 10 years giving popular missions and retreats, always placing great emphasis on the Eucharist and devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Anthony was appointed to head the much-neglected archdiocese of Santiago in Cuba. He began its reform by almost ceaseless preaching and hearing confessions and suffered bitter opposition mainly for opposing concubinage and giving instruction to black slaves. His solution for the misery of Cubans was family-owned farms producing a variety of foods for the family’s own needs and for the market.

At Vatican I, where he was a staunch defender of the doctrine of infallibility,

Jesus foretold that those who are truly his representatives would suffer the same persecution as he did. Besides 14 attempts in his life, Anthony had to undergo such a barrage of the ugliest slander that the very name Claret became a byword for humiliation and misfortune. The powers of evil do not easily give up their prey. No one needs to go looking for persecution. All we need to do is be sure we suffer because of our genuine faith in Christ, not for our own whims and lack of prudence.” He is the Patron Saint of Weavers!