St. Clement M. Hofbauer, Redentorist

St. Clement M. Hofbauer (1751-1820) was a Redemptorist priest and missionary who is known as the "Apostle of Vienna." Born in Moravia (now Czech Republic), he joined the Redemptorists and was ordained a priest in 1785. He spent much of his life spreading the Redemptorist charism and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament throughout Europe. Hofbauer was instrumental in the restoration of the Redemptorist order after its suppression in the late 18th century. He is venerated for his compassion, spiritual guidance, and miraculous healings. Hofbauer is the patron saint of Vienna and of the Redemptorist order.