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Our History

Celebrating more than 175 years of spreading the flame of the Spirit.

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Past, Present, and Future

Discover the legacy of our missionary spirit—and journey with us.

“A Son of the Immaculate Heart of Mary strives by all means possible to set the whole world on fire with God’s love.”
— St. Anthony Mary Claret

1835

A Legacy of Service Begins

Fueled by the desire to know God and to serve others, St. Anthony Mary Claret was ordained a priest and traveled on foot across Spain, preaching. Later, as the Archbishop of Cuba, he fought for workers’s rights, stood up for enslaved people’s right to worship, and insisted that interracial couples be able to marry. For him, faith was action.

1849

Founded in Love

St. Anthony Mary Claret founded the Sons of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Spain. Known as Claretian Missionaries, our global congregation of priests and brothers respond to the most urgent needs of God’s people, transforming communities through faith and action.

1902

A Mission for Immigrants

The first Claretians arrived in the United States to serve Mexican immigrants in Texas, Arizona, Illinois, and California, including San Gabriel Mission where we still serve today. Our parishes were central to Spanish-speaking Catholic communities, especially during the tumult of the Mexican Civil War. 



1924

A Place of Welcome

At the request of Cardinal George Mundelein, Claretians opened the first Mexican parish in Chicago to serve immigrants working in the steel mills. What began as a former army barracks was rebuilt, brick by brick, into Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in South Chicago. Its 100+ year history stands as testament to the power of faith. 

1929

Hope in Hardship

In the face of the Great Depression, Claretians established the National Shrine of St. Jude within Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Named for the patron saint of hope and impossible causes, the Shrine offers a deeper connection to God through devotion to St. Jude. Today, more than three million people participate in this community of prayer. 

1950

Canonized in Joy

St. Anthony Mary Claret, our founder, was canonized by Pope Pius XII. For St. Claret, prayer and faith were never passive. He worked tirelessly to ease people’s suffering. His life and legacy stand as a reminder that each of us has a calling, a fire in our hearts waiting to be ignited.

1951

Around the World

Heeding the call to support international communities, Claretian missionaries from the U.S. set off for Japan and Costa Rica to launch new missions. Other international missions followed: Guatemala (1966), Nigeria (1973), Cameroon (1986), Philippines (1946), and Jamaica (2001).

1953

Expanding North

After World War II, two Claretian priests established an inaugural mission house in Quebec to serve the French-speaking Catholic community. Over time, our presence expanded to more parishes and dioceses, reaching many more people, including First Nations, immigrants, students, and the unhoused.

2014

A Unified Province

Our USA-Canada Province was created, uniting our efforts and enhancing our impact. Today, our province serves a diversity of people—including Spanish-, French-, and Vietnamese-speaking communities—and promotes Catholic social teaching through advocacy for those impacted by forced migration.

2024

Afire for Mission

Our Jubilee Year celebrated 175 years of Claretian Missionaries. Today, we serve in 72 countries and on 6 continents, preaching the truth that everyone is loved by God. This Jubilee Year refocused our energy, renewed us in spirit, and sparked our missionary spirit to spread the love of God wherever we go. 

2025

Legacy in Print

U.S. Catholic, our award-winning magazine, celebrated its 90th anniversary, having first been published as the Voice of St. Jude in 1935. Today, U.S. Catholic reaches over one million readers, actively exploring the joys and challenges of living our Catholic faith in today’s world.

2030

Building to the Future

Our congregation continues to grow, including men studying to become Claretian Missionaries here in the USA-Canada Province. They hail from different countries, with different stories, and different areas of study. From their initial discernment to final vows, we pray with them and for them. Join us in prayer.