Saintly Saturday - St. Clement Mary Hofbauer

 

Clement Mary  - or John, the name given to him at his baptism - was born in Moravia, to a poor family in 1751. Having lacked the funding for education, he was unable at first to pursue the priesthood, as was his desire, so he instead took up an apprenticeship to a baker. Eventually, Clement met some people who offered to sponsor him and his friend Thaddeus in their studies. The two friends were ordained in 1785, both being attracted to St. Alphonsus’ order, the Redemptorists. Due to the religious difficulties of the time, they settled in Warsaw, Poland, where they were able to minister to the many Catholics there who had been left without priests from the suppression of the Jesuits. For many years they actively worked among the poor and engaged in promoting the overall welfare of the people, successfully and compassionately enriching many lives with new faith. However, Clement was eventually imprisoned, expelled, and forced to leave. He found his way to Vienna, where he spent the last years of his life tirelessly tending to the rich and poor alike, hearing confessions, and establishing a Catholic college.

By his death in 1820, the Redemptorists were established in the Alps through the help of Clement’s efforts. His holy example had contributed to the growth of the congregation and drew in many candidates. St. Clement Mary was known during his life to have great holiness and zeal for his faith.

We celebrate his feast day on March 16th. 

St. Clement Mary Hofbauer, pray for us!