The entire Claretian Congregation and the branches of the Claretian Family around the world joyfully celebrated the Solemnity of St. Anthony Mary Claret, their Founder, on Tuesday, 24 October 2023. In many parts of the world, from Asia to the Americas, from Europe to Africa, Masses were celebrated, events were held in schools and parishes named after the saint, and professions and ordinations of Claretians took place. 

Meanwhile, in Rome, the Claretians celebrated a Solemn Mass in the Basilica of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Parioli, presided over by Archbishop José Rodríguez Carballo, O.F.M., Secretary of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. The celebration was also attended by some of the Bishops participating in the Synod. Present were the Claretian Bishop Ruben Antonio González Medina, C.M.F., of Ponce (Puerto Rico); the Claretian Bishop Juan Domingo-Beka Esono Ayang, C.M.F., of Mongomo (Equatorial Guinea); and Bishop Dante Gustavo Braida Lorenzón, of the Diocese of La Rioja (Argentina).  Also present were Claretians from the three General Houses and the two communities in Rome of the Sanctus Paulus Province, as well as members of the Claretian Family – the Claretian Sisters (RMI) and the MC Sisters.

Archbishop Carballo challenged the congregation members present

to go out into the world as missionaries and do what the founding father did: preach the Gospel in the world of the poor, of all kinds of people. “Be like your founding father,” he said. Use the Gospel as a liberating force, spread the Word, devote yourselves to preaching as Claret did,” he added.

The celebration ended with a simple dinner at the General Curia in Parioli, Rome.