St. Antony Mary Claret, Bishop, Founder of the Congregation of the Missionaries Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Saint Antony Mary Claret (1807-1870) was a Spanish Roman Catholic bishop and the founder of the Congregation of the Missionaries Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Born in Catalonia, he worked as a textile designer before entering the priesthood. As bishop of Santiago de Cuba, he worked tirelessly to reform the Church and defend the faith. He founded his missionary congregation to spread the gospel and care for the poor. Claret was a prolific writer, publishing over 140 works. He is venerated for his piety, compassion, and zeal for the faith. Claret is the patron saint of weavers, the Catholic press, and religious publishers.