St. Anthony Claret
First off, no, this is not the St. Anthony that you ask to help you find lost items. St. Anthony Claret is a Spanish priest and bishop. At age 42, he established a religious institute of missionaries with five priests. This became the Claretian Order, members of whom I have met at Catholic Campus Ministry in Springfield. He lived back in the 19th century and became officially canonized in 1950. There are many reasons why I think St. Anthony Claret is a tremendous role model for men.
He was a Weaver and Designer in textile mills in Barcelona. He learned Latin and Printing while working in the mills as well. He was mainly a Writer and Missionary after he became a priest. I'm always impressed whenever I come across men who are multi-talented, and St. Anthony Claret is definitely a man who had experience in a variety of areas. I also am inspired by people who enjoy writing.
This man helped establish Religious Publishing House, a Catholic publishing company in Spain, and wrote or published over 200 pieces of literature. He was able to write about something he is passionate about, which is something we should always strive for in any area of our work. He also traveled to places like Paris, the Canary Islands, Cuba, Madrid, and the Vatican for the First Vatican Council. What guy doesn't have an urge to go on a journey to far away places and experience adventures around the world?
Dedication of Faith
St. Anthony Claret always placed emphasis on the Eucharist and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, whether on mission or retreat or whenever. Both of these, the Eucharist and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, play a huge role in the life of Claretians today. It is said that the Rosary did not leave his hand. St. Anthony Claret also reformed the Archdiocese of Santiago, Cuba, as its bishop. He was known for hearing lots of confessions. He also became infamous in his diocese for opposing concubinage and instructing slaves. It takes courage to stand up for truth amid opposition, but St. Anthony Claret did just that in order to help his diocese grow closer to God.
Assassination Attempt
This man faced an assassin and lived! An assassin in Cuba was hired, but failed to kill St. Anthony Claret. The assassin managed to slash him across his face and wrist before being captured. However, when the assassin was on the verge of receiving the death penalty, St. Anthony Claret intervened and managed to get his would-be killer a prison term instead. He showed us how to be merciful and forgiving by helping save the life of a man who tried to kill him.
Queen
After returning to Spain, he was asked to become the Chaplain to the Queen. However, he did so on three conditions: He resided outside of the palace, he only came to hear the Queen's confessions or to instruct the children, and he would be exempt from court. I think this shows a great example for all of us because St. Anthony did not seek power and politics, but he still preached and did his duty wherever he was called.
Blessed Claretian Martyrs of Barbastro, Spain
I learned of these men when I came to Catholic Campus Ministry. At CCM, there is a beautiful mural that greets visitors. It is a painting of the 51 men, the seminarians, brothers, and priests that were killed in the midst of the Spanish Civil War.
Many of these men were between the ages of 21 and 25. Those that were not killed immediately were imprisoned and awaited execution.
Yet, every single one of them remained faithful to God! They all willingly accepted their martyrdom with joy. They were also very forgiving of their executors and shared their happiness to die for Jesus Christ in notes that they left for their loved ones on Earth.
All of us men, especially men my age, can learn from these martyrs how to joyfully accept God's will and be forgiving and loving towards all people, especially those who persecute or hurt us.
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