Rome, Italy. On the evening of 24 October 2025, the Claretian Family in Rome, together with parishioners and friends, gathered joyfully at the Basilica del Sacro Cuore di Maria to celebrate the solemnity of St. Anthony Mary Claret, founder of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The Eucharistic celebration, held at 6:30 p.m., was presided over by Fr. Mathew Vattamattam, CMF, Superior General, and was followed by a moment of fraternal agapè in the courtyard.
The homily was delivered by Fr. Carlos Sánchez, CMF, Prefect of Spirituality and Community Life, who invited the community to live this Jubilee Year of Hope as “pilgrims of hope,” inspired by the missionary witness of St. Anthony Mary Claret. Drawing from the words of Pope Leo XIV during the Jubilee of Migrants, Fr. Sánchez recalled that “migrants are privileged witnesses of hope,” a message that echoes deeply in the missionary vocation of every Claretian.
Reflecting on the readings, he highlighted that Claret’s life was a constant journey of faith and perseverance amidst trials, persecutions, and misunderstandings. “Claret believed that the path of faith is not measured by success, but by trust in the God who never abandons,” Fr. Sánchez said. He described the founder as “a pilgrim of hope who never stopped walking, even when the roads seemed closed,” always allowing the Spirit to open new missionary horizons.
He also reminded the faithful that St. Claret found his strength and hope in the Heart of Mary, “the woman who stands firm at the foot of the cross,” and who teaches believers to “wait without tiring and to trust without conditions.”
The celebration concluded in a spirit of gratitude and fraternity as the community shared a festive agapè, renewing their missionary commitment to bring the joy and peace of the Gospel to all, following the example of their founder.
Source: Communication Team – General Government
