Feast Day: July 5
Founder of: Clerics Regular of St. Paul (the Barnabites)
Patron of: Healing the sick, Eucharistic renewal
About St. Anthony Zaccaria
St. Anthony Zaccaria (1502–1539) was born in Cremona, Italy, into a noble family. After studying medicine, he felt called to the priesthood and was ordained in 1528. Moved by the moral laxity of his day and a deep love for Christ in the Eucharist, Anthony founded the Clerics Regular of St. Paul—known as the Barnabites—to reform the clergy and laity through preaching, the sacraments, and works of mercy. He promoted frequent Communion and the Forty‑Hour Devotion, helping to spark a renewal of faith in Milan and beyond. Even amidst plague and persecution, his zeal for Christ’s love shone through his healing ministry. He died at just 37, leaving a legacy of Eucharistic devotion and spiritual reform.
Prayer
O God, who inflamed the heart of St. Anthony Zaccaria with zeal for Your Eucharistic presence and concern for the sick, grant that, like him, we may worship You with devotion and serve our neighbors in love. Through his intercession, heal our bodies and inflame our souls with the fire of Your charity. Amen.
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