Saint Anthony Maria Zaccaria: Life, Legacy, and the Barnabite Order

Saint Anthony Maria Zaccaria was a 16th-century Italian physician and priest who founded the Clerics Regular of St. Paul, commonly known as the Barnabites, to reform Catholic life during the Protestant Reformation. Born in Cremona in 1502, he dedicated his short life to the spiritual renewal of the laity and clergy, leaving a lasting impact on the Roman Catholic Church before his death in 1539.

Who Was Anthony Maria Zaccaria?

Anthony Maria Zaccaria was born into a noble family in Cremona, Italy. According to the Vatican’s historical records, he studied medicine at the University of Padua, graduating in 1524. Despite his promising medical career, he felt a strong vocation to the priesthood. He was ordained in 1528 and quickly became known for his intense focus on the spiritual health of his community, often treating the poor and sick while simultaneously tending to their spiritual needs.

The Founding of the Barnabites

In 1530, Zaccaria moved to Milan, where he founded the Clerics Regular of St. Paul. The order was officially approved by Pope Clement VII in 1533 through the brief Vota per vos. The name “Barnabites” originated from the order’s association with the Church of St. Barnabas in Milan, which served as their central base of operations.

The core mission of the order, as documented by the Barnabite Fathers, was to address the widespread moral decay of the era. Zaccaria emphasized the importance of the Eucharist and the frequent reception of the sacraments. His approach was characterized by a “reform from within,” encouraging both clergy and laypeople to lead lives more closely aligned with the Gospel.

Key Contributions to Catholic Reform

Zaccaria’s work preceded the Council of Trent, a major series of meetings that defined the Catholic Counter-Reformation. His influence is noted for several specific practices:

• The Forty Hours Devotion: Zaccaria is often credited with popularizing the public exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, a practice that became a cornerstone of Eucharistic adoration.
• Lay Apostolate: He was a pioneer in involving laypeople in the mission of the Church, believing that spiritual renewal was not the sole responsibility of the clergy.
• Social Ministry: He maintained his commitment to the sick, often visiting hospitals and prisons to provide both physical comfort and religious instruction.

Legacy and Canonization

Anthony Maria Zaccaria died in Cremona on July 5, 1539, at the age of 36. His reputation for holiness grew rapidly following his death. He was beatified by Pope Pius IX in 1849 and was later canonized as a saint by Pope Leo XIII on May 27, 1897. Today, the Barnabites continue his work, operating in numerous countries with a focus on education, parish ministry, and missionary work.

Frequently Asked Questions

• When is the feast day of Saint Anthony Maria Zaccaria? His liturgical feast is celebrated annually on July 5.
• Why are they called Barnabites? They are called Barnabites because their first motherhouse in Milan was located near the Church of St. Barnabas.
• What was Zaccaria’s profession before becoming a priest? He was a trained physician, having earned a medical degree from the University of Padua.

The life of Saint Anthony Maria Zaccaria serves as a historical example of the internal reform movements that shaped the modern Catholic Church. His transition from medicine to ministry underscored his belief that the health of the soul was as vital as the health of the body, a principle that remains central to the Barnabite identity today.