Fr. Michael Travaglione, OFM Conv, a retired Army chaplain, was our guest homilist during our solemn Mass in honor of St. Anthony of Padua on June 17th, 2017. Fr. Michael provides insight into the life of St. Anthony of Padua in his homily which can be viewed in the accompanying video below.
A relic is something connected to a saint or blessed, including a part of their body (e.g. hair or bone fragment), their clothing, or an object that the person used or touched. It is not the type or size of relic that is important, but rather the faith and prayer that the relic occasions.
The veneration of relics is an ancient custom. Relics, which in some way related to the saints during their lifetime, continue to bring God’s saving power to his people through the intercession of the saints in Heaven. The saints did not leave us once their earthly lives ended, but rather in/through the communion of saints, they remain close to us, blessing, and praying for us.
St. Anthony of Padua is the patron saint of lost things, especially lost souls. However, during his lifetime, he was a great miracle worker. Therefore, with confidence, we can bring any petition to the intercession of St. Anthony of Padua, being mindful that St. Anthony, through the communion of the saints, is present and listening to our requests.
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We are happy to assist all our visitors in bringing their needs before the holy relic of St. Anthony of Padua, the miracle worker.