Anthony Mary Claret was born Ferran (Francisco) Claret i Clarà on December 23, 1807 in Sallent, Catalonia, Spain, into a devout but humble family of textile workers. From an early age he felt drawn to both hard work and deep spiritual life; as a young man he worked in a textile mill, where he practiced rigorous self-discipline and developed a strong interior life of prayer, penance, and charity toward his fellow workers. At age 20 he entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1825, where he completed studies in theology and philosophy, was ordained a priest in 1835, and became known for his moral integrity, spiritual depth, and exceptional gifts in preaching.

Father Claret quickly gained a reputation as a powerful preacher whose homilies combined clarity, fervor, and pastoral insight aimed at renewing the faith of ordinary believers and clergy alike. In 1849, he founded the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Claretians), a religious congregation dedicated to evangelization, catechesis, and missionary outreach in the modern world. Under his leadership the congregation spread rapidly, focusing on parish missions, retreats, social services, and the formation of clergy and laity. He also promoted Catholic press and publishing, believing that sound doctrine communicated with compassion and intelligence could strengthen the faith of the people.

In 1850 Claret was appointed Archbishop of Santiago de Cuba by Pope Pius IX, where he served for nearly a decade with tireless zeal—establishing schools, seminaries, and charitable institutions while defending the Church’s teaching amid political and social challenges. Later he returned to Spain and continued his pastoral work, including serving as confessor and advisor to Queen Isabella II, even amid court intrigues and his own health struggles. He died on October 24, 1870 in Fontfroide, France. Saint John XXIII canonized him in 1950.