Antonio María Claret y Clará, a Spanish priest and missionary, founded the Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Vic, Catalonia. Claret's journey began with his strong commitment to spirituality and a desire to serve the Church and community during his early priesthood. Motivated by the pressing need for evangelization and support in various regions, Claret sought to develop a religious order embodying his passion for education, preaching, and social welfare.

In 1849, Claret formalized this vision by establishing the Claretians, a congregation that aimed to foster spiritual growth and assist the Church throughout Spain and beyond. The foundation occurred during a time when many regions were witnessing changes due to sociopolitical upheavals and the need for a strong religious response was evident. With education and social outreach as key components of their mission, the Claretians were designed to address contemporary issues, particularly among the poor and underserved communities.

Claret and his companions vowed to dedicate their lives to mission work, emphasizing not just preaching but also active engagement in the communities they served. They took on roles in education, parish missions, and various social projects, leading to significant outreach initiatives. Over the years, the congregation expanded internationally, adapting to the needs of different countries while remaining true to Claret's foundational principles.