During his life, St. Anthony transformed the lives of countless people in and around the city of Padua, Italy. From Sicily to Assisi, from Rome to southern France, he traveled tirelessly to bring the Word of God to those searching for a path to Heaven.

With a style that was down-to-earth, yet inspiring, St. Anthony shared the Gospel stories of Jesus in a way that had great relevance to the daily lives of his audience. The people listened closely to his words. They were moved by the sincerity of his message. And they knew exactly how to bring the miracle of God’s love into their own lives.

It’s no wonder, then, that everyone was so saddened by the death of St. Anthony at the young age of 35. On the Tuesday after his passing, the people of Padua held a magnificent funeral procession for him. Along the way, a number of amazing miracles took place. And since that day, Tuesdays have been observed as a special day of devotion to our beloved saint.

In honor of the Saint of Miracles, our Conventual Franciscan Friars celebrate a very special series of Masses on thirteen consecutive Tuesdays ending on the Feast of St. Anthony.

On Tuesday, March 21st, we will begin the first of thirteen Masses dedicated to St. Anthony. I invite you to join us. During each Mass, our friars will ask St. Anthony to intercede with our Lord in Heaven to answer your prayers. Simply click the button at the bottom of this letter and send us your intentions.

With your prayers, I hope you will include a kind offering to help our friars continue their good work in the name of our Lord.

Inspired by St. Anthony’s deep devotion to Jesus, our Conventual Franciscan Friars dedicate themselves to living the Gospel through a wide range of missions and ministries. In poverty-stricken communities across the U.S. and around the world, we provide food, medical care and educational opportunities to God’s forgotten children.

In communities that cover a wide swath of America’s heartland, we are pastors, preachers, teachers, and missionaries. We have helped to build schools, churches, and community centers. We have brought people together in Christ. And we have brought new inspiration to thousands of families yearning to build a better life.

In our bustling Franciscan Kitchen, we serve hundreds of hot, nutritious meals every day to the homeless, the unemployed, and hungry young children with nowhere else to turn.

Your Christian charity will help us bring God’s love to the world through our missions and ministries. Please make a kind offering today to help us continue our work to bring God’s love and compassion to the least among us.

May the Lord bless you and keep you,

Father John Elmer, OFM Conv.
Spiritual Director

P.S. When you send a gift, you will be helping to spread the loving message of the Gospels that was so central in the life of St. Anthony. I thank you … and may God bless you.