Description
Saint Anthony Mary Claret, missionary and founder
Anthony Mary Claret was born in Sallent, Catalonia, in 1807 and ordained a priest in 1835. A prolific preacher, catechist and publisher, he founded the Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, known as the Claretians, in 1849. As Archbishop of Santiago de Cuba from 1851, he visited his diocese, renewed pastoral structures and addressed poverty and social injustice. He also helped Maria Antonia Paris establish the Claretian Missionary Sisters. His feast is October 24.
Bishop’s dress, catechism and radiant heart
The saint wears black episcopal choir dress with red trim, a zucchetto and pectoral cross. His raised hand suggests preaching or blessing; the red volume marked CATECHISMUS identifies his commitment to catechesis and printed instruction. A radiant white disk over his chest and the small Sacred Heart emblem bring Eucharistic and heart-centered devotion into the composition. These signs express his missionary spirituality rather than document a physical event.
Crafted on linden wood in Poland
Made to order in Poland on a double-primed linden wood panel, the image is printed directly onto the prepared surface and finished with decorative gold-tone metal leaf. A certificate recording the year of production and a wall hanger are included. This is a contemporary devotional icon, not an individually hand-painted work.
For mission, teaching and pastoral courage
The icon is suited to a parish office, classroom, seminary, mission house, publishing ministry or home prayer corner. Claret offers a historically grounded patron for preachers, catechists, writers, missionaries and bishops. The image can support prayer about clear teaching, courage under opposition and practical concern for people experiencing poverty, while keeping Christian mission joined to education and works of mercy.