The Claretians are a community of Roman Catholic priests and brothers, founded in Spain by Saint Anthony Claret in 1849. Claret hoped to prepare priests who would share his vision of proclaiming the Gospel. The Claretians also have a particular devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and have made significant contributions to Marian studies over the years. Twenty days after he founded the Claretians, he was appointed Archbishop of Cuba, leaving the Congregation under the care of Esteban Sala, one of his co-founders. The Claretians have varied ministries, depending upon the needs of the areas in which they work, their focus being on responding to the greatest needs of the poor. The formal title for the Claretians is the Congregation of Missionaries, Sons of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. With the Revolution of 1868, the Claretians were suppressed by the state, and its missionaries were forced to seek refuge in France. Before the death of Claret, the institute had established itself throughout Spain, as well as Africa, and in Mexico, Chile, and the Philippines. In August of 1936, fifty-one Claretians were executed during the Spanish Civil War. In all, two hundred and seventy Claretians were martyred during the Spanish Civil War. These included nine priests, five brothers, and the rest seminarians. Two members who were foreigners from Argentina were spared. These martyrs were beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1992. The Claretians live together in community, serving in a variety of ministries devoted to social concerns and issues of peace, justice and the environment. Claretials share daily prayer, meal preparation, and meals. They also work in Catholic parishes, foreign missions, publishing, and outreach programs to young people, including summer camps and college outreach. The national shrine of Saint Jude was founded by Father James Tort, a Claretian and pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Chicago, Illinois, in 1929.
Recommended Resources
Formed by Claretian Missionaries in 1979, the Claretian Associates were charged with building community within the neighborhood of South Chicago by working with community leaders, residents, and organizations that provide affordable housing and related services for people with low and moderate incomes. A historical timeline for the program is presented, along with its programs, services, office hours, and a calendar of events.
http://www.claretianassociates.org/
Claretian Communications Foundation, Inc.
In 1981, the Philippine Province of the Claretian Missionaries began a program of dialogue between Latin America and the Philippines, as a special service to the local Church, and to establish a line of communication between countries and continents in the Third World. Its history, mission, vision and goal are featured, and its online bookstore offers pastoral, religious, and scriptural texts, as well as books on theology, seasonal topics, and Bibles.
http://www.claretianpublications.com/
The Claretians have a missionary style of ministry, and are willing to go where the need is most urgent. Each step, down the path to becoming a Claretian priest or brother, as an affiliate, candidate and novice, allows one to further explore Claretian community and ministry. Its history, spirituality, and community are highlighted here, with a calendar of events, news items, and contacts.
http://www.claretianvocation.org/
Claretian Missionaries: USA-Canada Province
The Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary are an international, Roman Catholic religious congregation of priests, brothers and seminarians. The Congregation and a history of the US Province are put forth, along with its mission and ministries, ministry opportunities, and spirituality. The formation process for Claretian missionaries are highlighted, and contacts are posted.
http://www.claretiansusa.org/
Founded by Saint Anthony Mary Claret and the Venerable Maria Antonia Paris, the Claretian Missionary Sisters are called to unite action and contemplation. A history of its founding and of its founders are put forth, and an overview of its missions in the United States and worldwide are included. Other resources include pastoral materials for schools and youth groups.
http://www.claretiansisters.org/
CTM was created to implement the evangelical goals of the Claretian Missionaries through the promotion of the Catholic faith through various forms of media, including published books, booklets, audio CDs and DVDs, which are available by phone, mail, or through its online shopping store. Several educational articles are available online, and its products may be viewed or purchased online.
https://catholicbooks.net/
Hispanic Ministry Resource Center
The HMRC was created in 1990 as a ministry to Hispanic communities throughout the United States by the Claretians. In particular, the HMRC has produced a variety of written materials in Spanish and in English, as well as participating in major events and activities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, offering workshops and catechist training classes in collaboration with national organizations, dioceses and parishes.
http://www.hispanic-ministry.com/
The Claretian Initiative is a network of community development programs in high-poverty urban neighborhoods within the United States, whose goal is to end the generational cycle of poverty and violence in these at-risk communities through programs that provide academic support, teach job skills, foster leadership development, and expand the horizons of young people. Its issues, programs. and campaigns are highlighted.
http://www.claretianinitiative.org/
