In a small room in Vic, Spain, 177 years ago, a spark was lit. St. Anthony Mary Claret and six companions gathered with no grand strategy, no master plan—only a heart burning with fire for the mission of Christ. That burning heart became a charism, a congregation of Claretian missionaries, and a living spirit that spread like embers across the world.
Today, in 72 countries and six continents, Claretian priests, brothers, and lay partners carry forward that same flame. Claretian General Superior Mathew Vattamattam, CMF, reminds us: “If this spirit does not burn in us, our activities are merely functions without life.” His words call us back to the source, not the structures or strategies we build, but the radiant love of our Creator, calling us to serve every person we encounter.
This month, as Claretians around the world gathered to celebrate our foundation anniversary, we reflected on what it means to keep that original fire alive in our hearts and our hands. In Chicago, we felt that spirit in a joyful gathering.
At our Claretian residency in Oak Park, priests, brothers, lay partners, and staff came together for a simple ceremony and a shared meal and a barbecue under the summer sun. In that gathering, in that breaking of bread, we renewed our commitment: to uplift the dignity of all people, especially those who feel overlooked or forgotten.
The vision planted in that small room in Spain still grows. Happy foundation anniversary.
