(1807-1870) Born in Spain and trained in his father’s trade as a weaver, Anthony became a priest and eventually a missionary to the Canary Islands off the northwest coast of Africa. On his return to Spain, he established the Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (The Claretians). Anthony was appointed the Archbishop of Santiago de Cuba in the Caribbean for eight years before Queen Isabella II recalled him to Spain to be her confessor. In addition to his exceptional preaching, Anthony exhibited several extraordinary charisms and miracles in his ministry, which were attested by many, including regular levitation and a supernatural light that radiated from his body when he celebrated Mass. He spread devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Saint Anthony relied on God completely. It is often through the saints’ radical surrender to God that the extraordinary, the miraculous, is made manifest. What miracles have you witnessed in recovery through your surrender to God (Step 3)?
“Lord, by the words of consecration the substance of the bread and wine is converted into the substance of your Body and Blood. All powerful Lord, say over me the word which will change me into You” (Saint Anthony Claret).
Reflection by Brad Farmer