#barnabites

THE DESCRIPTION OF SAINT ANTHONY ZACCARIA The Patron Saint of Physicians and Eucharist Adoration Feast Day: July 5

"We manifest our love for God in our observance of His commandments and in our readiness to obey, even His smallest decree."

Anthony Mary Zaccaria, the promoter of the devotion to the Passion of Christ, the Eucharist and the renewal of the religious life among the laity, the founder of the Clerics Regular of Saint Paul (aka the Barnabites) and an early leader of the Counter Reformation, was born Antonio Maria Zaccaria, in Cremona, Duchy of Milan (present-day Italy) in 1502. After the early death of his father Lazzaro, his mother, Antonia Pescaroli Zaccaria, made him her almoner, took care of his spiritual growth, cultivating compassion and mercy for the poor.

After attending the Episcopal School annexed to the cathedral, he studied philosophy at the University of Pavia, he studied medicine at the University of Padua, and at the age of 22, he returned home to practice.

But he soon realized that his vocation was to heal souls rather than bodies. Accordingly, he began to study theology and teach catechism to the youth. He started studying for the priesthood in 1527, and ordained a priest two years later in 1529.

Having explored his calling for two years, mainly by working in hospitals and institutions for the poor, he became spiritual advisor to Countess Ludovica Torelli of Guastalla (then the tiny County of Guastalla) in 1530, and followed her to Milan. There, he became a member of the Oratory of Eternal Wisdom.

Anthony moved to Milan, where he helped in the foundation of a female congregation dedicated to the rescue of girls - the Angelic Sisters of Saint Paul. Two years later, together with two fellow priests, he founded the Clerics Regular of St. Paul, also known as the Barnabites, with the purpose of renewing the Church by frequent preaching and the worthy administration of the sacraments.

Since their headquarters were in the Church of St. Barnabas, they became popularly known as Barnabites. They preached in churches as well as in the marketplaces, and also worked for the poor and the sick. He's left only a few writings: twelve letters, six sermons, and the constitution of the Barnabites.

While on mission to Guastalla in 1539, he caught a fever. Combined with the strict penances he performed, his health worsened and he died on July 5, 1539, at the age of 36. Luca di Seriate, the suffragan bishop, who had ordained him a priest, presided over his funeral.

In attendance were the aristocrats and people of Cremona and the surrounding towns. Anthony was buried in the San Paolo Convent of the Angelics of Saint Paul, the female branch of the Barnabites, in Milan.

On July 5, the Catholic Church remembers Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria.

A renowned preacher and promoter of Eucharistic adoration, he founded the order of priests now known as the Barnabites.

In 2001, the future Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, wrote the preface for a book on St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria, praising the saint as “one of the great figures of Catholic reform in the 1500s who was involved in the renewal of Christian life in an era of profound crisis.”

"The Italian saint deserves to be rediscovered as an authentic man of God and of the Church, a man burning with zeal, a demanding forger of consciences, a true leader able to convert and lead others to good.”

Anthony Mary Zaccaria was born into an Italian family of nobility in Cremona during 1502.

His father Lazzaro died shortly after Anthony's birth, and his mother Antonietta – though only 18 years old – chose not to marry again, preferring to devote herself to charitable works and her son's education.

Antonietta's son took after her in devotion to God and generosity toward the poor.

He studied Latin and Greek with tutors in his youth. He was afterward sent to Pavia to study philosophy.

He went on to study medicine at the University of Padua, earning his degree at age 22 and returning to Cremona.

Despite his noble background and secular profession, the young doctor had no intention of either marrying or accumulating wealth.

While caring for the physical conditions of his patients, he also encouraged them to find spiritual healing through repentance and the sacraments.

Anthony also taught catechism to children and went on to participate in the religious formation of young adults.

He eventually decided to withdraw from the practice of medicine, and with the encouragement of his spiritual director, he began to study for the priesthood.

Ordained a priest at age 26, Anthony is said to have experienced a miraculous occurrence during his first Mass, being surrounded by a supernatural light and a multitude of angels during the consecration of the Eucharist.

Contemporary witnesses marveled at the event and testified to it after his death.

Church life in Cremona had suffered decline in the late 15th and early 16th centuries.

The new priest encountered widespread ignorance and religious indifference among laypersons, while many of the clergy were either weak or corrupt.

In these dire circumstances, Anthony Mary Zaccaria devoted his life to proclaiming the truths of the Gospel both clearly and charitably.

Within two years, his eloquent preaching and tireless pastoral care is said to have changed the moral character of the city dramatically.

In 1530, Anthony moved to Milan, where a similar spirit of corruption and religious neglect prevailed.

There, he decided to form a priestly society, the Clerics Regular of St. Paul.

Inspired by the apostle's life and writings, the order was founded on a vision of humility, asceticism, poverty, and preaching.

After the founder's death, they were entrusted with a prominent church named for St. Barnabas and became commonly known as the “Barnabites.”

The priest also founded a women's religious order, the Angelic Sisters of St. Paul, and an organization, the Laity of St. Paul, geared toward the sanctification of those outside the priesthood and religious life.

He pioneered the “40 Hours” devotion, involving continuous prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

In 1539, Anthony became seriously ill and returned to his mother's house in Cremona.

The founder of the Clerics Regular of St. Paul died on 5 July 1539, during the liturgical octave of the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, at the age of only 36.

Nearly three decades after his death, St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria's body was found to be incorrupt.

Source of picture: https://tlm-md.blogspot.com

Life of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria

At the same time that Martin Luther was attacking abuses in the Church, a reformation within the Church was already being attempted. Among the early movers of the Counter-Reformation was Anthony Zaccaria. His mother became a widow at 18, and devoted herself to the spiritual education of her son. He received a medical doctorate at 22, and while working among the poor of his native Cremona in Italy, was attracted to the religious apostolate. He renounced his rights to any future inheritance, worked as a catechist, and was ordained a priest at the age of 26. Called to Milan in a few years, he laid the foundations of three religious congregations, one for men, one for women, and an association of married couples. Their aim was the reform of the decadent society of their day, beginning with the clergy, religious, and lay people.

Greatly inspired by Saint Paul—his congregation is named the Barnabites, after the companion of that saint—Anthony preached with great vigor in church and street, conducted popular missions, and was not ashamed of doing public penance.

Source of picture: www.prayergraphics.com

Anthony encouraged such innovations as the collaboration of the laity in the apostolate, frequent Communion, the Forty Hours devotion, and the ringing of church bells at 3:00 p.m. on Fridays. His holiness moved many to reform their lives, but as with all saints, it also moved many to oppose him. Twice his community had to undergo official religious investigation, and twice it was exonerated.

While on a mission of peace, Anthony became seriously ill and was brought home for a visit to his mother. He died at Cremona at the age of 36.

Source: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-anthony-zaccaria

 Quotes from St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria

St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria - A Patron of Physicians by Barnabite Fathers on Pinterest

“In his mercy God has chosen us, unworthy as we are, out of the world, to serve him and thus to advance in goodness and to bear the greatest possible fruit of love in patience.”

“That which God commands seems difficult and a burden. The way is rough; you draw back; you have no desire to follow it. Yet DO SO – and you will attain glory.”

On July 5, the Catholic Church remembers Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria.

A renowned preacher and promoter of Eucharistic adoration, he founded the order of priests now known as the Barnabites.

In 2001, the future Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, wrote the preface for a book on St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria, praising the saint as “one of the great figures of Catholic reform in the 1500s, who was involved in the renewal of Christian life in an era of profound crisis.”

The Italian saint, Cardinal Ratzinger wrote, “deserves to be rediscovered as an authentic man of God and of the Church, a man burning with zeal, a demanding forger of consciences, a true leader able to convert and lead others to good.”

Anthony Mary Zaccaria was born into an Italian family of nobility in Cremona during 1502.

His father Lazzaro died shortly after Anthony's birth, and his mother Antonietta – though only 18 years old – chose not to marry again, preferring to devote herself to charitable works and her son's education.

Antonietta's son took after her in devotion to God and generosity toward the poor. He studied Latin and Greek with tutors in his youth. He was then sent to Pavia to study philosophy.

He went on to study medicine at the University of Padua, earning his degree at age 22 and returning to Cremona.

Despite his noble background and secular profession, the young doctor had no intention of either marrying or accumulating wealth.

While caring for the physical conditions of his patients, he also encouraged them to find spiritual healing through repentance and the sacraments.

Anthony also taught catechism to children and went on to participate in the religious formation of young adults.

He eventually decided to withdraw from the practice of medicine, and with the encouragement of his spiritual director, he began to study for the priesthood.

Ordained a priest at age 26, Anthony is said to have experienced a miraculous occurrence during his first Mass, being surrounded by a supernatural light and a multitude of angels during the consecration of the Eucharist.

Contemporary witnesses marveled at the event and testified to it after his death.

Church life in Cremona had suffered decline in the late 15th and early 16th centuries.

The new priest encountered widespread ignorance and religious indifference among laypersons, while many of the clergy were either weak or corrupt.

In these dire circumstances, Anthony Mary Zaccaria devoted his life to proclaiming the truths of the Gospel —both clearly and charitably.

Within two years, his eloquent preaching and tireless pastoral care is said to have changed the moral character of the city dramatically.

In 1530, Anthony moved to Milan, where a similar spirit of corruption and religious neglect prevailed.

There, he decided to form a priestly society, the Clerics Regular of St. Paul.

Inspired by the apostle's life and writings, the order was founded on a vision of humility, asceticism, poverty, and preaching.

After the founder's death, they were entrusted with a prominent church named for St. Barnabas and became commonly known as the “Barnabites.”

The priest also founded a women's religious order, the Angelic Sisters of St. Paul, and an organization, the Laity of St. Paul, geared toward the sanctification of those outside the priesthood and religious life.

He pioneered the “40 Hours” devotion, involving continuous prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, promoted the use of altar sacraments, and initiated the ringing of church bells every Friday at 3 p.m.

In 1539, Anthony became seriously ill and returned to his mother's house in Cremona.

The founder of the Clerics Regular of St. Paul died on 5 July 1539, during the liturgical octave of the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, at the age of only 36.

Nearly three decades after his death, St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria's body was found to be incorrupt.

Pope Leo XIII beatified him on 3 January 1890 and canonized on 27 May 1897.

On July 5, the Catholic Church remembers Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria.

A renowned preacher and promoter of Eucharistic adoration, he founded the order of priests now known as the Barnabites.

In 2001, the future Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, wrote the preface for a book on St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria, praising the saint as:

“one of the great figures of Catholic reform in the 1500s, who was involved in the renewal of Christian life in an era of profound crisis.”

Cardinal Ratzinger wrote:

“The Italian saint deserves to be rediscovered as an authentic man of God and of the Church, a man burning with zeal, a demanding forger of consciences, a true leader able to convert and lead others to good.”

Anthony Mary Zaccaria was born into an Italian family of nobility in Cremona during 1502.

His father Lazzaro died shortly after Anthony's birth, and his mother Antonietta – though only 18 years old – chose not to marry again, preferring to devote herself to charitable works and her son's education.

Antonietta's son took after her in devotion to God and generosity toward the poor.

He studied Latin and Greek with tutors in his youth. He was afterward sent to Pavia to study philosophy.

He went on to study medicine at the University of Padua, earning his degree at age 22 and returning to Cremona.

Despite his noble background and secular profession, the young doctor had no intention of either marrying or accumulating wealth.

While caring for the physical conditions of his patients, he also encouraged them to find spiritual healing through repentance and the sacraments.

Anthony also taught catechism to children and went on to participate in the religious formation of young adults.

He eventually decided to withdraw from the practice of medicine. With the encouragement of his spiritual director, he began to study for the priesthood.

Ordained a priest at age 26, Anthony is said to have experienced a miraculous occurrence during his first Mass, being surrounded by a supernatural light and a multitude of angels during the consecration of the Eucharist.

Contemporary witnesses marveled at the event and testified to it after his death.

Church life in Cremona had suffered decline in the late 15th and early 16th centuries.

The new priest encountered widespread ignorance and religious indifference among laypersons, while many of the clergy were either weak or corrupt.

In these dire circumstances, Anthony Mary Zaccaria devoted his life to proclaiming the truths of the Gospel both clearly and charitably.

Within two years, his eloquent preaching and tireless pastoral care were said to have changed the moral character of the city dramatically.

In 1530, Anthony moved to Milan, where a similar spirit of corruption and religious neglect prevailed.

There, he decided to form a priestly society, the Clerics Regular of St. Paul.

Inspired by the apostle's life and writings, the order was founded on a vision of humility, asceticism, poverty, and preaching.

After the founder's death, they were entrusted with a prominent church named for St. Barnabas and became commonly known as the “Barnabites.”

The priest also founded a women's religious order called the Angelic Sisters of St. Paul, and an organization called the Laity of St. Paul, geared toward the sanctification of those outside the priesthood and religious life.

He pioneered the “40 Hours” devotion, involving continuous prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

In 1539, Anthony became seriously ill and returned to his mother's house in Cremona.

The founder of the Clerics Regular of St. Paul died on 5 July 1539, during the liturgical octave of the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, at the age of only 36.

Nearly three decades after his death, St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria's body was found to be incorrupt.

On July 5, the Catholic Church remembers Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria.

A renowned preacher and promoter of Eucharistic adoration, he founded the Order of Priests now known as the Barnabites.

In 2001, the future Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, wrote the preface for a book on St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria, praising the saint as “one of the great figures of Catholic reform in the 1500s, who was involved in the renewal of Christian life in an era of profound crisis.”

The Italian saint, Cardinal Ratzinger wrote, “deserves to be rediscovered as an authentic man of God and of the Church, a man burning with zeal, a demanding forger of consciences, a true leader able to convert and lead others to good.”

Anthony Mary Zaccaria was born into an Italian family of nobility in Cremona in December 1502.

His father Lazzaro died shortly after Anthony's birth, and his mother Antonietta – though only 18 years old – chose not to marry again, preferring to devote herself to charitable works and her son's education.

Antonietta's son took after her in devotion to God and generosity toward the poor.

He studied Latin and Greek with tutors in his youth, and was afterward sent to Pavia to study philosophy.

He went on to study medicine at the University of Padua, earning his degree at age 22 and returning to Cremona.

Despite his noble background and secular profession, the young doctor had no intention of either marrying or accumulating wealth.

While caring for the physical conditions of his patients, he also encouraged them to find spiritual healing through repentance and the sacraments.

Anthony also taught catechism to children and went on to participate in the religious formation of young adults.

He eventually decided to withdraw from the practice of medicine, and with the encouragement of his spiritual director, he began to study for the priesthood.

Ordained a priest at age 26, Anthony is said to have experienced a miraculous occurrence during his first Mass, being surrounded by a supernatural light and a multitude of angels during the consecration of the Eucharist.

Contemporary witnesses marveled at the event and testified to it after his death.

Church life in Cremona had suffered decline in the late 15th and early 16th centuries.

The new priest encountered widespread ignorance and religious indifference among laypersons, while many of the clergy were either weak or corrupt.

In these dire circumstances, Anthony Mary Zaccaria devoted his life to proclaiming the truths of the Gospel both clearly and charitably.

Within two years, his eloquent preaching and tireless pastoral care is said to have changed the moral character of the city dramatically.

In 1530, Anthony moved to Milan, where a similar spirit of corruption and religious neglect prevailed.

There, he decided to form a priestly society, the Clerics Regular of St. Paul.

Inspired by the apostle's life and writings, the Order was founded on a vision of humility, asceticism, poverty, and preaching.

After the founder's death, they were entrusted with a prominent church named for St. Barnabas and became commonly known as the “Barnabites.”

The priest also founded a women's religious order, the Angelic Sisters of St. Paul, and an organization, the Laity of St. Paul, geared toward the sanctification of those outside the priesthood and religious life.

He pioneered the “40 Hours” devotion, involving continuous prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

In 1539, Anthony became seriously ill and returned to his mother's house in Cremona.

The founder of the Clerics Regular of St. Paul died on 5 July 1539, during the liturgical octave of the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, at the age of only 36.

Nearly three decades after his death, Anthony Mary Zaccaria's body was found to be incorrupt.

Pope Leo XIII beatified Anthony on 3 January 1890 and canonized on 27 May 1897.

He is the patron saint of physicians.

On July 5, the Catholic Church remembers Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria.

A renowned preacher and promoter of Eucharistic adoration, he founded the order of priests now known as the Barnabites.

In 2001, the future Pope Benedict XVI, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, wrote the preface for a book on St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria, praising the saint as “one of the great figures of Catholic reform in the 1500s, who was involved in the renewal of Christian life in an era of profound crisis.”

The Italian saint, Cardinal Ratzinger wrote, “deserves to be rediscovered as an authentic man of God and of the Church, a man burning with zeal, a demanding forger of consciences, a true leader able to convert and lead others to good.”

Anthony Mary Zaccaria was born into an Italian family of nobility in Cremona during 1502.

His father Lazzaro died shortly after Anthony's birth, and his mother Antonietta – though only 18 years old – chose not to marry again, preferring to devote herself to charitable works and her son's education.

Antonietta's son took after her in devotion to God and generosity toward the poor.

He studied Latin and Greek with tutors in his youth, and was afterward sent to Pavia to study philosophy.

He went on to study medicine at the University of Padua, earning his degree at age 22 and returning to Cremona.

Despite his noble background and secular profession, the young doctor had no intention of either marrying or accumulating wealth.

While caring for the physical conditions of his patients, he also encouraged them to find spiritual healing through repentance and the sacraments.

Anthony also taught catechism to children and went on to participate in the religious formation of young adults.

He eventually decided to withdraw from the practice of medicine, and with the encouragement of his spiritual director, he began to study for the priesthood.

Ordained a priest at age 26, Anthony is said to have experienced a miraculous occurrence during his first Mass, being surrounded by a supernatural light and a multitude of angels during the consecration of the Eucharist.

Contemporary witnesses marveled at the event and testified to it after his death.

Church life in Cremona had suffered decline in the late 15th and early 16th centuries.

The new priest encountered widespread ignorance and religious indifference among laypersons, while many of the clergy were either weak or corrupt.

In these dire circumstances, Anthony Mary Zaccaria devoted his life to proclaiming the truths of the Gospel both clearly and charitably.

Within two years, his eloquent preaching and tireless pastoral care is said to have changed the moral character of the city dramatically.

In 1530, Anthony moved to Milan, where a similar spirit of corruption and religious neglect prevailed.

There, he decided to form a priestly society called the Clerics Regular of St. Paul.

Inspired by the apostle's life and writings, the order was founded on a vision of humility, asceticism, poverty, and preaching.

After the founder's death, they were entrusted with a prominent church named for St. Barnabas and became commonly known as the “Barnabites.”

The priest also founded a women's religious order, the Angelic Sisters of St. Paul, and an organization, the Laity of St. Paul, geared toward the sanctification of those outside the priesthood and religious life.

He pioneered the “40 Hours” devotion, involving continuous prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

In 1539, Anthony became seriously ill and returned to his mother's house in Cremona.

The founder of the Clerics Regular of St. Paul died on July 5, during the liturgical octave of the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, at the age of only 36.

Nearly three decades after his death, Anthony Mary Zaccaria's body was found to be incorrupt.