St. Anthony Zaccaria

St. Anthony Zaccaria (1502 – 5 July 1539), an Italian priest and founder of the Clerics Regular of St. Paul (Barnabites), lived in the 16th century. He dedicated his life to promoting spiritual renewal and combating the challenges of the Protestant Reformation. St. Anthony emphasized the importance of preaching, sacramental life, and the formation of clergy. He was known for his deep spirituality, austerity, and commitment to prayer and penance. St. Anthony’s works included preaching missions, establishing seminaries, and providing spiritual direction to clergy and laypeople. He focused on promoting unity and reform within the Church, encouraging a return to the Gospel values and the teachings of the early Church fathers. St. Anthony Zaccaria died at a young age, but his legacy continued through the Barnabites, who have remained dedicated to education, pastoral care, and evangelization. He was canonized as a saint in 1897 and is venerated as a model of humility, zeal, and holiness.