Antonio Maria Zaccaria Italian saint of the Catholic Church. Country: Italy

Content:

1. Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria
2. Religious Vocation and Priestly Ordination
3. Foundation of Religious Orders
4. Controversies and Investigations
5. Pastoral Ministry and Legacy
6. Veneration and Canonization

Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria

Early Life and Education

Born in Cremona, Italy, in 1502, Anthony Mary Zaccaria lost his father at age two and was raised by his mother. As a young man, he took a vow of chastity. He studied philosophy at the University of Pavia and later medicine at the University of Padua. After graduating, he practiced as a physician in his hometown for three years.

Religious Vocation and Priestly Ordination

In 1527, Zaccaria began religious studies to become a priest. His extensive knowledge and devout Christian upbringing led to his ordination the following year. For two years, he served in hospitals and institutions for the poor. In 1530, he became the spiritual director to Countess Ludovica Torelli of Guastalla and moved with her to Milan.

Foundation of Religious Orders

In Milan, Zaccaria established three religious orders: the Clerics Regular of Saint Paul (later known as the Barnabites) for men, the Angelic Sisters of Saint Paul for women, and the Married Laity of Saint Paul. Their purpose was to spiritually reform society.

Controversies and Investigations

The Barnabites faced criticism for alleged abuses. As their founder, Zaccaria was twice investigated for heresy but was acquitted both times. In 1536, he resigned as head of the order and moved to Vicenza, where he reformed two women's monasteries.

Pastoral Ministry and Legacy

In Vicenza, Zaccaria revived forgotten religious traditions, including the practice of ringing church bells at 3 pm on Fridays to commemorate Christ's crucifixion. In 1539, he contracted a fever while visiting Guastalla. His health deteriorated rapidly, and he died in Cremona on July 5 at the age of 37.

Veneration and Canonization

Zaccaria was buried in the Angelic Monastery of Saint Paul in Milan. Twenty-seven years later, his body was found incorrupt. He was later moved to the Church of Saint Barnabas in Milan, where his remains remain today. Zaccaria was venerated as a saint among the Barnabites, but his cult was not officially confirmed until 1890. He was beatified by Pope Leo XIII on January 3 and canonized on May 27, 1897. His feast day is celebrated on July 5.

Religious figure

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