St. Anthony Mary Zaccariah

On July 5th, the Church celebrates the feast of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria, a priest and the founder of the Clerics Regular of St. Paul, commonly known as the Barnabites. This feast is observed in the Time after Pentecost, a season that invites the faithful to deepen their understanding of the Holy Spirit's ongoing presence and work in the Church. St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria is remembered for his zealous commitment to the reform of the clergy and the laity alike, emphasizing the centrality of Christ in the Christian life and the importance of community in faith, making his feast particularly significant as families are called to grow in faith together.

The readings and prayers of today offer rich spiritual nourishment, encouraging families to reflect on the value of godliness as highlighted in the Epistle from St. Paul to Timothy, which reminds us that a life rooted in Christ yields benefits both now and in eternity. Additionally, the Gospel passage from Mark underscores the importance of childlike faith and openness to God's grace, inviting families to embrace humility and trust in God's love, just as children do. As they gather for Mass, families can contemplate how to cultivate a spirit of faith and joy in their daily lives, inspired by St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria's example of living out the Gospel in community and service.

Historical Background and Life Story Born in 1502 in Cremona, Italy, St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria was a devoted priest and founder of the Clerics Regular of St. Paul, a religious community dedicated to the spiritual renewal of the Church. After the death of his young wife, he felt called to the priesthood and passionately served his community, spreading the Gospel and encouraging a deeper devotion to the Eucharist and Sacred Scripture throughout his life, which ended in 1539.

Main Virtues and Spiritual Contributions St. Anthony was known for his deep love of the Eucharist and his commitment to promoting a life of holiness among the laity. His emphasis on personal prayer, community, and the importance of education in the faith helped lay a strong foundation for spiritual renewal during the Counter-Reformation, inspiring many to deepen their relationship with God.

Canonization and Significance to the Church St. Anthony was canonized in 1897 due to his profound impact on the Catholic faith and the establishment of the religious order that continues to serve the Church today. His life exemplifies the call to holiness and the importance of community in living out one’s faith, making him a significant figure in the Church’s history.

Lessons for Catholic Families Today St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria teaches families the importance of cultivating a deep faith through prayer and community involvement. His life encourages us to turn to the Eucharist for strength and to educate our children in the faith, fostering a love for God and the Church that can be passed down through generations.

Closing Prayer for Intercession Dear St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria, intercede for our families that we may grow in faith and love for the Eucharist. Help us to inspire one another to live holy lives, rooted in God’s Word. Amen.

In today’s readings, we are reminded of the essential qualities of humility, trust, and community in our spiritual lives. Jesus teaches us in the Gospel of Mark (10:15) that to enter the kingdom of God, we must accept it like a little child. This echoes the teachings of the Catechism, which emphasizes the importance of childlike faith: "Children are the model of humility and self-abandonment" (CCC 521). As families, we can reflect on how we can foster this spirit of openness and trust in our daily lives. By approaching God with the simplicity and sincerity of a child, we can cultivate a deeper connection with Him and each other.

St. Paul’s exhortation to Timothy in his letter (1 Tim. 4:8-16) encourages us to embody godliness in all our actions. The Catechism states that the moral life is a response to God’s love and a commitment to live according to His will (CCC 1691). This underscores the idea that our journey toward holiness is rooted in love and community, just as St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria worked to reform the Church through his dedication to both clergy and laity. Families can take practical steps by engaging in faith-based activities together, such as reading Scripture, praying, or performing acts of service in their community. These actions not only strengthen their bonds but also help them grow in faith, modeling the teachings of Christ and the virtues that St. Paul encourages. By living out these values, families can create a nurturing environment that reflects God’s kingdom on earth, filled with love, trust, and mutual support.