Overview
- He was born on December 23, 1807, in Sallent, Catalonia, worked in his father's textile shop, and was ordained a priest in 1835.
- In 1849 he founded the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Claretians) and soon after became archbishop of Santiago de Cuba.
- His ministry in Cuba advanced education, the Catholic press, justice initiatives, and defense of enslaved people.
- Back in Spain he served as confessor to Queen Isabel II, suffered persecution and exile, died in 1870 at Fontfroide Abbey, and was canonized in 1950.
- The day’s santoral also commemorates Blessed Luigi Guanella, Blessed Giuseppe Baldo, St. Arethas and companions, and St. Proclus of Constantinople.