St. Clement Mary Hofbauer – Redemptorist Priest and Missionary

ST. CLEMENT MARY HOLBAUER

St. Clement Mary Hofbauer was a Redemptorist priest and missionary known for his deep faith, preaching, and social outreach in Europe. Often called the “second founder” of the Redemptorists, he was canonized in 1909 and is the patron saint of Vienna.

Saint Clement Mary Hofbauer, born Johannes Hofbauer on December 26, 1751, in Tasswitz, Moravia (now part of the Czech Republic), was a baker turned priest whose life became a testimony to the transformative power of faith and perseverance. Orphaned at a young age, Clement grew up in poverty but nurtured a strong desire for the priesthood. Due to political and financial obstacles, his ordination was delayed for many years.

In his early years, Clement worked as an apprentice baker to support himself and even lived as a hermit for a time. His life changed after a pilgrimage to Rome, where he joined the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists), founded by St. Alphonsus Liguori. He took the religious name Clement Mary and was ordained a priest in 1785. Alongside another Redemptorist, he brought the congregation north of the Alps, becoming known as its “second founder.”

Clement's first major mission was in Warsaw, Poland, where he established a vibrant apostolate that combined preaching, education, and social outreach. Despite political unrest, Clement and his companions opened schools, cared for orphans, and ministered to the poor and sick. His dynamic preaching style and profound spiritual direction drew many to the Church, including intellectuals and skeptics.

His time in Warsaw ended when the Napoleonic authorities suppressed his activities, forcing him to leave the city in 1808. He relocated to Vienna, Austria, where he spent the last years of his life offering spiritual direction, hearing confessions, and influencing key cultural and religious figures. His presence revitalized the Catholic faith in the city, and his modest room became a hub for the spiritually curious and troubled.

Though he never saw the full flourishing of the Redemptorists in the German-speaking world during his lifetime, Clement laid the foundation through his courage and missionary zeal. He passed away on March 15, 1820. His sanctity and impact were widely recognized, leading to his canonization by Pope Pius X on May 20, 1909.

Clement Mary Hofbauer is considered the patron saint of Vienna and of those seeking vocational clarity. His life reminds the Church of the power of faith to overcome adversity and inspire renewal in even the most challenging times.

Feast Day

15-3-1820

Birth Date

26-12-1751

Died Date

15-3-1820

Canonised Date

20-5-1909

Church of St. Ursula, Vienna, Austria

O Saint Clement Mary Hofbauer, faithful priest and tireless missionary, inspire us with your zeal for souls and unwavering trust in Divine Providence. Help us to proclaim the Gospel with courage and serve others with humility and joy. Amen.
ST. CLEMENT MARY HOLBAUER

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ST. CLEMENT MARY HOLBAUER

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