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In the center of Sallent we can see the imposing monument dedicated to Sant Antoni Maria Claret, the protagonist today in Las Fotos de los Lectores de La Vanguardia. He was a Catholic missionary and archbishop.
Father Claret was born on December 23, 1807 in Sallent de Llobregat and died on October 24, 1870 in Fontfroide Abbey, France.
The monument is located in the same Sant Antoni Maria Claret square. And it is that the imprint of this religious in this population is deep. You can also visit his birthplace and the church of Sant Antoni Maria Claret.
This stone monument with modernist airs was built by popular subscription (10,881 pesetas) in 1906 by the architect Alexandre Soler i March and the sculptor Eusebi Arnau y Mascort, although it was destroyed in 1936. Later, it was redone in 1951 by Joaquim Renart, Florenci Daura and Albert Comas, on the occasion of the canonization of Father Claret. And, in 1994, it was restored by Lluís Rubio i Cano.
The work shows us on a tower of faith the catechist and the child (the figure of Father Claret indoctrinating). At his feet waves of the sea crash, symbol of evil passions, while the beast (with the appearance of a crocodile or a dragon, according to the versions) symbolizes evil and sin, wounded and fleeing dying on waves of impiety.
An iconographic group of seven heads represents the virtues, faith, hope, charity, prudence, justice, strength and temperance. The gate would be the infernal flames, which remain far away before the impenetrable force of the sculptural ensemble. The circular shield of the Claretians also stands out.
Next, I detail some key points about the life of Sant Antoni Maria Claret:
The life and work of Sant Antoni Maria Claret have had a significant impact on the Catholic Church and the communities he served. His dedication to missionary work and the establishment of religious congregations have left a lasting legacy.
