Pilgrims gather for Adoration, in the Chapel of the Shrine of St. Anthony of Padua, as the Director of the Shrine, Our Lady of the Angels Province friars, Fr. Michael Heine, OFM Conv. leads the Rite of Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
All over our province and throughout the world, Conventual Franciscans celebrate this very special Feast Day in honor of our confrere, St. Anthony of Padua.
This past weekend, at our Province Shrine of St. Anthony, in Ellicott City – MD, pilgrims gathered to kick off the celebrations with our friars and guest speaker and guest presider, Fr. Leo Patalinghug, at the Annual St. Anthony Day Pilgrimage. Fr. Leo Patalinghug, a native of Baltimore – MD, is a priest member of a community of consecrated life called Voluntas Dei, who founded “Grace Before Meals,” an apostolate to strengthen families around the dinner table. He is an internationally renowned speaker, author, TV & radio host. He is also a decorated martial artist and break dancer. Our friars serving at the Shrine were joined by Fr. Leo in providing pilgrims with fellowship festivities, outdoor Masses, Adoration, recitation of the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy, and opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Our Lady of the Angels Province friar, Fr. Dennis Mason, OFM Conv., who serves our province through his ministry at the Shrine of St. Anthony including traveling to other parish and ministry locations preaching and facilitating retreats – talks – informational sessions, presided as the main celebrant for one of the Outdoor Masses, alongside his confreres, Friar Michael Heine, OFM Conv. & Friar Matt Foley, OFM Conv. and their guest, Fr. Leo. Follow this link to enjoy his HOMILY from that Mass.
Today, the actual Feast Day of St. Anthony of Padua, please join our friars in ministries near you, as we celebrate in varied ways. At the Shrine today, our friars will celebrate Noon Mass in the Chapel, followed by a special blessing of the new statue depicting St. Francis and St. Anthony in the Shrine Courtyard. After the blessing, all are welcome to stay for a free hot dog lunch in the Shrine’s dining room. For more information on the Shrine or the events held there, please contact the Shrine office at 410-531-2800 or visit their website.
At the Franciscan Church of the Assumption, in Syracuse – NY, our friars, and the parishioners we serve, have been celebrating since Sunday.
Join them today (June 13, 2017) where the theme of the day is “Saint Anthony, Miracle Worker.” Celebrate the 7:00 p.m. Mass for the Solemnity of Saint Anthony of Padua and for Veneration and Blessing with the Relic of Saint Anthony.
To see what events might be happening near you, please visit our province “Locations” page and follow the link to your closest ministry.
St. Anthony of Padua ~ Pray for Us!
