Ante Antić was born in 1893. in the diocese of Šibenik in Croatia. After high school and the novitiate he entered the Order of St. Francis of Assisi and became a member of the Franciscan province of The Most Holy Redeemer in Split. He was ordained a priest in 1917. Immediately after ordination, as the prudent, pious, humble, saintly and learned he accepted the duty of educating young Franciscans. Fr. Antić carried on that duty devotedly, humbly, faithfully, perfectly and successfully until his death.
Even though he always lived in a monastery, faithful of all status found him as an extraordinary charismatic person, filled with supernatural gifts of faith, hope and love – through which he was completely immersed in God. They discovered and accepted him as the most demanding confessor, spiritual leader and counsellor in spiritual life. He was demanded by thousands of priests as well as all categories of laity, because in him they found extraordinary virtues: humility, obedience, purity, poverty, piety, patience and prudence, as well as great charity for sick, poor and all kinds of human suffering. He had special gifts of penetrating and seeing human souls and the gift of predicting future happenings.
In contact with him (through confessions and spiritual guidance) many felt God’s presence and the goodness of our Lord Jesus Christ, as well as numerous graces and God’s help, even miraculous deeds through his prayers. Abundantly gifted with much charisma, he lived evangelical perfection to the highest possible level. Through deep contemplation he was elevated to a perfect mystical life of complete union with Christ, the only thing he ever wanted, as he wrote: “Jesus had to have me completely and He alone” (AS 1,3).
As such, he was devoted to the Holy Trinity, especially celebrating the mysteries of Jesus’ life, suffering and death – especially the sacrament of the Eucharist. In a special way he was devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Francis, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, St. John of the Cross, St. Theresa of Avilla, St. Carlo of Secia and others.
Fr. Antić died in Zagreb on March 4, 1965. as a saint. After his death the voice of his sanctity spread throughout the world because of the many graces God gave through his intercession. The earthly remains of Fr. Antić are venerated in the church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Zagreb, and the process for his beatification is well under way in Rome.