Saint Anthony

This June our Saint’s relics will leave his Basilica in Padua to visit the USA, Australia and Canada. Friars Fabio Turrisendo and Matteo Martinelli will be taking two first-class relics of Saint Anthony to the Diocese of Orange (south of Los Angeles) in California. Frair Mario Conte will be taking another two, first-class relics to the Archdiocese of Toronto and the diocese of Hamilton, and finally Friar Bortolino Maistrello will be taking another two, first-class relics from the Basilica to the Archdiocese of Sydney and to other churches in the Sydney area, and then to various other churches in the Archdiocese of Adelaide.

Anthony’s illness forces the friars to leave Morocco, and his dream of dying as a martyr must be abandoned for a different path

The Saint’s life teaches us that disappointment can become a doorway to grace, as God redirects even our most heartfelt plans toward deeper purpose

Names carry stories, identity, and vocation – especially in the Christian tradition, where a name can mark a turning point of grace

A single unanimous vote changed Fernando de Bulhões’ life forever, opening the path that would one day make him St. Anthony

Inspired by the first Franciscan martyrs’ courage, young Fernando risks all to follow God’s call into the unknown