Biography
Anthony of Hoornaar
About Anthony of Hoornaar
Anthony of Hoornaar was a Franciscan priest and preacher. Estius remembers his humble family and praises the agreement between his teaching and his life.
The Brielle shrine names him among the nineteen Gorcum martyrs, killed on 9 July 1572. They were canonized on 29 June 1867.
His remembrance also survives in art. The Rijksmuseum holds an engraving by Jacob Matham, dated 1617–1618, portraying Anthony among the Gorcum martyrs. Made after his death, it is an image of devotion rather than an authenticated likeness from his lifetime.
At the closing Mass of the 2026 pilgrimage season, Bishop Van den Hende emphasized love shown in words and deeds. This is a contemporary reflection on the group’s legacy, rather than testimony about Anthony’s daily life.
Their feast is 9 July.
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