Roman Catholics will observe on Tuesday, July 5, the feast day of one of the most popular Italian saints - Saint Anthony Mary (San Antonio Maria) Zaccaria, the revered founder of the Clerks Regular of St. Paul.
In the country, commemorative masses will be held in several churches placed under his patronage such as at the St. Anthony Mary Zachariah Parish in Silangan, San Mateo, Rizal. A Thanksgiving Mass will be offered at 6:30 a.m.
Novena masses were held from June 24 to July 2. A procession was held on July 3 followed by a holy mass that was presided by Diocese of Antipolo Auxiliary Bishop Nolly C. Buco.
Born in the year 1502 in Cremona, Italy, St. Anthony was a physician by profession but because of his intense desire to serve Christ and His Church, he studied theology and was ordained priest in 1528.
St. Anthony was a known devotee of the Blessed Mother, the crucified Christ, and St. Paul. He promoted devotion to the Passion of Christ, the Holy Eucharist, and the religious life.
He founded the Clerks Regular of St. Paul in 1530 with the purpose of renewing the Church. Also known as the Barnabites because their headquarters was in the monastery of St. Barnabas in Milan, Italy, the religious order also worked for the welfare of the poor, the neglected, and the sick.
He popularized the 40-hour prayer ceremony, promoted the use of altar sacraments, and initiated the ringing of church bells every Friday at 3 p.m.
St. Anthony died in 1539 and was canonized on May 27, 1897 by Pope Leo XIII. His major shrine is the St. Paul Convent in Milan, Italy.