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As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
1502–July 5, 1539
Patron Saint of physicians, spiritual renewal, youth formation, Barnabite Order, Angelic Sisters of St. Paul, Laity of St. Paul
St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria was a physician who was later ordained a priest. His brief but intense life was dedicated to the renewal of the Church and the spiritual formation of the faithful. Born in Cremona, Italy, in 1502, he was orphaned at an early age and raised by his devout mother, who instilled in him a strong love for prayer and service to others.
He first pursued studies in medicine and philosophy at the University of Padua, where he became known for his intelligence and compassion. However, he soon discerned a deeper call to the priesthood.
As a priest, Anthony Mary was deeply concerned about the spiritual decline he observed in society and within the Church. He devoted himself to preaching, spiritual direction, and reform, emphasizing the need for personal conversion and renewed devotion to Christ crucified.
To support this mission, he founded the Clerics Regular of St. Paul, commonly known as the Barnabites, named after St. Paul’s companion, Barnabas. The order focused on preaching, education, and pastoral renewal. He also co-founded the Angelic Sisters of St. Paul, a community of women dedicated to prayer and service, as well as lay groups that encouraged active participation in Christian life.
A strong advocate of Eucharistic devotion, Anthony Mary encouraged frequent Communion and formation toward personal holiness, always pointing souls toward deeper union with Christ.
He became ill and died in 1539 at the age of 36 in his hometown of Cremona. He was canonized in 1897 by Pope Leo XIII. He left behind a legacy of spiritual writings, three religious orders, and a movement of renewal in the Church.
The Barnabites, founded by Anthony Mary Zaccaria, were established during a time of widespread need for spiritual renewal in the Church. Their mission focused on preaching, catechesis, and pastoral care, especially in urban areas affected by moral and religious decline. They emphasized personal conversion, Eucharistic devotion, and active pastoral ministry. Anthony Mary called people to conversion, preaching in the streets with a crucifix in his hand and faithfully administering the Sacraments. By living in community and engaging directly with the laity, the Barnabites became an important force in the Catholic reform movement that preceded and supported the broader reforms later implemented at the Council of Trent.
At a time when frequent reception of Holy Communion was uncommon among the laity, Anthony Mary strongly encouraged regular participation in the Eucharist as a source of grace and spiritual strength. He believed that the Eucharist was central to Christian life and growth in holiness. In one of his sermons, he said, “No wonder that people have grown lukewarm. … Go back, my friends, go back to receive this sacrament. Nothing can make you holier. … Remember that Augustine exhorts you to receive Holy Communion at least once a week.” His emphasis on receiving the Eucharist frequently was both devotional and pastoral, aimed at renewing faith and deepening the personal relationship between the faithful and Christ.
St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria’s mother was young when she was widowed. She rejected numerous suitors and dedicated herself to her son’s upbringing, ensuring he had solid spiritual and academic training. She played a significant role in shaping his spiritual life, raising him with deep Christian values and encouraging prayer, charity, and devotion to God. When Anthony Mary was a young boy, his mother entrusted him with distributing the family’s alms to the poor, which helped form his sensitivity to the needs of others. Her example of faith and perseverance strongly influenced his character and his desire to serve God, eventually leading him to leave a promising medical career to pursue the priesthood and eventually launch institutions that brought reform to the Church.
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As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
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