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N O V E N A
Prayer to Saint Anthony Mary Claret
(June 13 - 21, 2011)
In sincere veneration I come to you,
glorious and powerful intercessor,
Saint Anthony Mary Claret.
You are a great friend of God,
a model of purity, of zeal, and of justice,
and a powerful intermediary before
the Throne of of the Most Blessed Trinity.
Intercede with God for me, and
obtain for me the grace to imitate those virtues
which shone so splendidly in you.
Obtain for me these favors:
that I may be truly aware of my sins
and deeply repent them;
that I may love the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary
with a burning love;
that I may steadfastly keep the commandments of God;
and that I may faithfully perform
the duties of my state of life.
Take my troubles to heart,
and help me particularly in my present necessities.
Save me from all dangers during life,
and help me at the hour of my death,
that I may safely reach Heaven,
to praise the Most Blessed Trinity
with you forever and ever. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory
(Three Times)
EIGTH DAY
Love of Suffering
Saint Anthony Mary Claret had much to suffer during his long life. Satan, the monstrous enemy of the friends of God, made use of malicious men to persecute and calumniate the saintly archbishop. Yet this heroic Christian prelate never considered any person his enemy. His love for souls included all human beings, and no sooner had someone done him an injury, than he forgave the wrongdoer. He even pleaded for the deliverance of the criminals who attempted to assassinate him. And still he became an the object of the most curial persecution.
But Claret never allowed himself to become bitter. He regarded the crosses that came his way as a means of sanctification, and instead they became an efficacious means of elevating him soul to God. In his autobiography he relates the following: "All disagreeable, painful and humiliated happenings I consider as coming from God and ordered by Him for my own good. Even now, as I think of it, I fix my mind on God when things occur, bowing in silence and with resignation to His most holy will...
I know that three hundred years of faithful service to God are paid, and more than paid, when I am permitted an hour of suffering, so great is its value."
Reflection
Saint Anthony Mary Claret never excused himself when others accused or persecuted him. His firm belief that God's merciful hand permitted all for his good, made him regard the individuals who caused him pain as mere instruments of God. In imitation of Jesus, Who suffered in silence during the Passion and died abandoned by all, Anthony Mary Claret accepted suffering with love and full submission. "To labor and to suffer for the one we love is the greatest proof of our love, " he would say.
Anthony Mary Claret know the value of pain when endured for the love of God, and suffering for the cause of Christ made him the great saint he is. Because he courageously defended the right, he had much to suffer form the powers of hell. A man may be judged by the enemies, as well as the friends, he makes. But he did not fear the attacks of the enemy, nor did he cringe from suffering. He knew the power of good or evil and he did all in his power to promote good and give glory to God. He loved suffering because he saw in it a means to his sanctification. What a lesson to us, who in our lethargy, do not make use of the little crosses that come our way.
SEVENTH DAY
Catholic Action
Archbishop Claret might well be regarded as the precursor of Catholic Action. Through such an organization was as yet unknown, this zealous prelate had the idea of the laity participating in the work of the hierarchy for the defines of Catholicism. He used every available means to promote good and spread the teaching of Christ. Claret organized a press and urged that good literature be sent to every Catholic home. He wrote numerous books and pamphlets himself and had them distributed gratis to the people. He founded the Academy of Saint Michael to foster arts and sciences from a Christian viewpoint. This organization comprised lay people of a ll classes who would participate in the work of defining and promotion religions. The task imposed upon the members of the obligation of working for the spiritual good of one's neighbor
With good reason, then, as His Holiness Pius XI heard the bells of St. Peter's Basilica peal forth the glad tidings of Fr. Claret's Beatification, the Pope explained, " we have a new Blessed . . . A great figure indeed . . . A tireless Apostle . . . and moreover, a modern organizer . . . A great precursor of Catholic Action, almost as it is toddy, particularly with regard to the Press . . ."
Reflection
What a model of apostolic zeal we have in Saint Anthony Mary Claret! He took every means to promote the glory of God and to save souls from perdition. His love for God enabled him to attempt all things, even the seemingly most impossible. He never tired laboring for the good of others, even though the task at times looked hopeless. Would that we could grasp some of his living fire so that we, too, would be more zealous in the salvation of others. Let us endeavor to imitate his hero of Catholic Action (1) by a study of the Gospel and its principles so that we may be transformed into real apostles of Christ, and (2) once having been imbued with its teaching, we may go out to help souls.
In these times of such great social unrest we must realize the need for new apostles, new Clarets to spread the light of Christian faith throughout the good example of their concern for the welfare of all of humanity.
SIXTH DAY
Friend of the Worker
Anthony Mary Claret from the time he began working in his father's weaving shop saw a way of bettering conditions for the workers, and he did it. Afterwards, Anthony never ceased improving the lot of the working people. He practiced the principles later laid down by the great Popes of social justice.
Among Claret's work might be mentioned that of organizing educational institutions for poor children. These institutions would be called in our times vocational or technical schools. In them the children of the poor were gathered from the streets and taught to read and write and do useful trades to that they could earn their living later. This was an efficacious means of reducing juvenile delinquency, Claret helped the farmers improved their methods of agriculture and even wrote manuals for this purpose. He organized thrift banks where money could be invested or borrowed. in this way the people were taught the proper use of their earnings instead of spending it foolishly as was their custom and then suffering want as a realist. Anthony Claret may indeed be looked upon as on e of the great social reformers of modern times.
Reflection
In this most worth undertaking of social betterment, Saint Anthony Mary Claret had always the glory of God and the salvation of souls in mind. Any action that would bring a soul nearer to God would attract Claret's attention. His was more than a sense of economics or even a natural feeling to relieve suffering. His motive was Christian charity. The dignity of the human soul and its sublime destiny urged him to elevate man whoever he could. His love for Jesus Christ in the poor made it almost a necessity for him to labor for those who were less privileged with the goods of this world.
How can we become Christian social apostles? Let us consider the social needs of our day and then let us see what we can do to remedy conditions. If we have the true Christian sprit we will help our neighbor in his needs. We will, like St. Anthony Mary Claret, seek occasions to practice the Christian social virtues in each circumstance of our daily life.
FIFTH DAY
Apostle of Love
Saint Anthony Mary Claret was one of the very rare persons who are privileged with the special grace of retaining the sacramental species within the breast from one communion to another. This grace came to him one evening in August 1861 when he was praying in the Church of the Rosary in La Granja, and it was enjoyed by him until his death in 1870. During these nine years Anthony became more and more recollected and devoted to his Eucharistic King. He recognized the immense goodness and condescension of Jesus in chewing his humble person for a dwelling place without any merit on his part. He know, too, that such a grace was not give to him for himself but that God may be glorified and mary souls saved. During these sweet colloquies with Jesus and the Blessed Sacrament, Anthony received much enlightenment. He therefore offered himself to Jesus and to Mary as a victim of love for souls. His offer was accepted for he died in exile.
Reflection
Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament is found where there is devotion to Mary. When the so-called reformers of the 16th century removed the Blessed Virgin from their churches, they also removed the Blessed Sacrament. It is impossible to love Jesus and not love His Blessed Mother. These two devotions are inseparable.
Anthony Claret, the great apostle of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, was also the great apostle of the holy Eucharist. From early childhood he had a love for Our Lady and the Rosary, and also very early in life he was an ardent lover of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Could we but imagine the beatify of a soul with tom Jesus deigns to make His abode.
Though Anthony Mary Claret received a signal privilege not given to many souls. doe we not also received a great grace wen we received Holy Communion? Would that our dispositions could equal those of Claret when Jesus comes to us. Would we not also received much enlightenment where we but more fervent?
Fourth Day
Helper of the Sick
Besides converting multitudes of souls during the missions he preached, Father Claret performed may miraculous cure of body as well as of soul. His reputation for healing diseases became so wide-spread that when he would enter a city or town to preach a mission, the people would crowd to him with their sick relatives with all their different ailments and infirmities.
May incidents could be related of the cures performed by this saintly missioner. We shall cite one such case.
"One night during the month of May as he was descending from the pulpit after having preached an eloquent and stirring sermon, a certain wide, who for 16 years was suffering unbearable pain from a cancer in one of her eyes, approached him, begging the cure of her cancer, "for" she said to herself, "Father Claret shall heal me! He is a saint. He shall heal me!" All eyes were fixed on Father Claret and the poor widow. What would happen? Would God work a miracle then and there through Claret's intercession? He placed his hand over the eyes of the woman, whispered a little prayer and the cancer withered away. The woman was completed healed."
Reflection
Saint Anthony Mary Claret, who cured so many spiritual and physical ailments during this earthly sojourn, and who gave his strength and talents to labor unceasingly for the glory of God and the good of souls, will continue his labors in our behalf from the Mansions prepared for him. Let us, then , call upon the help of this great physician of souls to cure our infirmities of body and soul. Like the people who witness his many cures, let us come to him with certainty of being aided. Let us say to him:
Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that we Thy servants may rejoice in continual health of mind and body; and, by the glorious intercession of St. Anthony Mary Claret, deliver us from present anxiety and grant us the joy of eternal happiness; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Third Day
Temptation
Souls who give glory to God infuriate the forces of hell. Anthony Mary Claret, by his virtuous ways, so antagonized Satan that he made fierce attacks upon him. Being unable to conquer this should devoted to Mary, he came with legions of his devils to wage a greater attack. Anthony was then in his second year of philosophy at the seminary at Vich, and becoming ill with a severe cold, he was ordered to bed. One day, while thus in bed, his room was filled with a throng of devils who raged and writhed in a infernal effort to make Anthony succumb under their filthy and base allurements. Anthony trembled with fear but knew to whom to have recourse in moments of peril, the Immaculate Virgin, his Mother. And lo! the heavens opened and in clouds of glory amidst winged cherubs, the immaculate Virgin appeared beautiful and fair. She had come to her child's help and to offer him a wreath of roses. Her presence struck terror into the fiendish host, which immediately vanished into the depths of Hell. Her words were sweet music to Claret. "Anthony, this crown shall be yours if your conquer." At these words Anthony triumphed, and from that time on he never felt the least temptation against his angelic virtue. All glory, then, to Mary.
Reflection
Let us consider the demons trying to make souls fall into sin. When they fail to do so, they come back again and again in greater numbers. For they know well that a soul who resists temptation gains merit and gives glory to God. This so enrages the prince of devils that he will at any cost make the soul fall. But at the name of Mary the demons take to flight. The Immaculate One crushes the head of the serpent. Her presence makes the evil spirits cringe with fear and withdraw their attacks. Therefore, devotion to our Heavenly Queen is a powerful safeguard against the attacks of the devil. Saint Anthony Mary Claret made use of the efficacious means of combating temptation. Let us, too, have recourse to Mary, especially when assaulted by the tempter, with this prayer of St. Claret:
O, Virgin and Mother of God I surrender myself to thee as thy child. In honor and glory of thy purity I offer thee my soul and body, my mind and senses, and beg they grace to keep me from sin. Amen.
SECOND DAY
Generosity
When Anthony was twenty-one years old and had spent several successful years at the weaving industry in the city, opportunity to resume his studies present itself. Would he go back to school, and after long years of arduous study, become a priest? A decision had to be made. Life at this period held glamour for him. That he had a flair for business is evident by the prosperity of the factory under his management. He had received excellent offers with brilliant prospects for advancement. Now he stood at parting ways. AFter prayerful reflection he generously abandoned what seemed dear to him at the time and followed his belated vocation. He would not allow himself to be allured from his single aim to serve God and please Him alone. Now that circumstances had made the way clear for him, he would cast aside all thoughts of material grain, and follow the counsels of the Gospel: "What doth it profit a man if he gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his own soul?"
Reflection
Let us consider the oneness of purpose that dominated the life of Anthony Mary Claret influencing him to choose the Cross and banish the vain offerings of the world. His love for God and Our Blessed Mother gave him a true sense of values even during his youth. However, the strength of character of Anthony in adhering to his one aim in life was a grace from God. Through practice of prayer, Anthony never made any decisions without first committing it all to God. From his infancy he had practiced the principles of the Gospel as taught him by his good parents, and God gives and increase of grace to souls who cooperate with His grace. Anthony was generous with God and God will not be outdone in generosity.
What a lesson for our age of laxity! How would we act in similar circumstances? Would our generosity equal Anthony's after we had attained considerable worldly success? Let us, then, begin by being generous with God in little things so that when the greater things come, we shall not be found wanting.
FIRST DAY
Submission to The Will of God
When St. Anthony Mary Claret was a boy his native country, Spain was in a state of social unrest and economic distress due to wars and restriction of trade by foreign powers. His father, Juan Claret, was forced to discontinue his son's schooling because he could not afford to pay his tuition. The only alternative was to send him to work on his weaving shop.
There Anthony like the machines and the designing of the patterns for the various fabrics and became so efficient at the trade that his father placed him over the other employees. In his autobiography he manifests his sentiments toward the situation at the commencement of his new task. "My greatest grief at the time", he states, "was to hear my father reprimand any worker who had not done his job well. I am positive that I suffered much more than the one being reprimanded. because my heart is so sensitive, that to see anyone in affliction makes me suffer more than the afflicted one." The Christlike charity and tact of this new supervisor won the esteem and admiration of his co-workers. Whenever he found it necessary to make a correction, he would begin first by praising the good work done and then he would point out where improvements could be made.
REFLECTION
Let us consider how God rewards virtue with abundant graces. Young Anthony Claret's obedience was prompt and without complaint. It was motivated by a deep spirit of faith which enabled him to see the will of God in circumstances and in his father's wishes. His ardent love for God and a determined will to please our Divine Savior in all things made Anthony abandon himself completely to God's good pleasure in his regard. Without troubling about the distant future he left all to Divine Providence, followed the immediate designed of God upon him and diligently applied himself to the art of veering. His success in this enterprise and his facility for managing and directing the employees Anthony knew was a special grace form God. Well did he realize the words of Our Lord "Without Me, you can do nothing." His meekness, gentleness, untiring patience and charity led his co-workers to co-operate with him so that he elevated the marl of the workers and increased the efficiency of the industry. The marvelous transformation he brought about in the shop would be termed today by Catholic Actionists as "Christianizing the environment."