Saint Anthony Maria Zaccaria
Physician of Cremona turned priest, founder of the Barnabites
- Rank
- Saint
- Kind
- Priest, Founder
- Life
- 1502 – 1539
- Era
- 16th century
- Feast
- 5 July
- Countries
- Italy
Life story
Anthony Mary Zaccaria was born in Cremona in December 1502. He studied philosophy at Pavia and medicine at Padua, finishing in 1524, and practised as a physician in Cremona for about three years. In 1527 he began studying for the priesthood and was ordained on 20 February 1529.
In Milan he joined the Oratory of Eternal Wisdom, where he and his companions focused on the teaching of Saint Paul, devotion to the Eucharist and care for the sick. Pope Clement VII sanctioned the Barnabites (Clerics Regular of St Paul) in 1533, and Pope Paul III approved the Angelic Sisters of St Paul in 1535. He also helped establish a lay congregation for married people, the Laity of St Paul. In 1534 he popularised among the laity the Forty Hours devotion of extended adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
He died in Cremona on 5 July 1539, aged 36. He was beatified by Pope Pius IX in 1849 and canonised by Pope Leo XIII in 1897. His feast is 5 July.
Works and witness
- Studied medicine at Padua and practised in Cremona
- Ordained a priest on 20 February 1529
- Barnabites sanctioned in 1533
- Angelic Sisters of St Paul approved in 1535
- Popularised the Forty Hours devotion among the laity in 1534
Saints from the same country
References
- Catholic Encyclopedia, "St. Antonio Maria Zaccaria" (newadvent.org/cathen/01588a.htm)
- Franciscan Media, "Saint Anthony Zaccaria"
Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.