Clement Mary Hofbauer was born in Moravia (now the Czech Republic) on December 26, 1751. He worked for a time as a baker, but feeling called to a different life, he studied whenever he could. After time in a Norbertine monastery and as a hermit, Clement went on pilgrimage to Rome, where he joined the Redemptorists.
After his ordination to the priesthood, Clement went to Warsaw. There he opened St. Benno’s, the first Redemptorist house in Poland and the scene of a very fruitful apostolate. After much opposition he moved to Vienna, where he worked for twelve years, becoming a popular and inspirational figure to many young people, including the future American missionary, Frederic Baraga. Clement died on March 15, 1820 and was canonized in 1909.
For more information
For a great short biography of St. Clement Hofbauer, read Preaching the Gospel Anew: Saint Clement Maria Hofbauer by Josef Heinemann, CSsR.
For more about his life and spirituality, check out Saint Clement Hofbauer: His Writings and Spirituality.