The Feast of St. Anthony Maria Zaccaria

Born into nobility in 1502, his father died when he was two years old. 

His mother, when Anthony was still a boy, decided to put him in charge of a portion of the family’s wealth, responsible for determining how much would be given to the poor and sick. This made him acutely aware of the suffering of those in need. 

He became a physician at the age of just twenty two and, while working among the poor, felt called to the priesthood. 

He was ordained at twenty-six and sent to Milan, where Anthony quickly went to work growing The Church, founding three new congregations; one for men, another for women, and a third for married couples. 

They were called the Barnabites because of his devotion to St. Paul’s companion, Barnabas. 

Anthony was a great preacher, speaking in Churches and on the street. 

He encouraged the laity to become involved in their parishes and led missions for them. He also helped spread the 40 Hours Devotion; 40 successive hours of Adoration with one Church starting as another finishes. 

He also revived the tradition of ringing the Church bells on Friday at 3 pm in honor of Jesus’ Crucifixion and Death. 

In addition, Anthony was deeply involved in the counter-reformation. 

While traveling on a mission he got sick and died on this day in Milan in 1539. 

He was just 36 years old.

St. Anthony Maria Zaccaria, please pray for us.