Mags GarganLarge crowds are expected to turn out for the saint of lost things, when the relics of St Anthony of Padua return to Ireland next month.
Last time the relics of St Anthony visited Ireland there were traffic jams in cities and towns around the country as devotees flocked to honour the much-loved 13th Century friar, who was one of the earliest members of the Franciscan Order founded by St Francis in 1209.
Two relics of St Anthony will visit towns across Ireland from June 9-16, including Tipperary, Killarney, Knock, Sligo, Dublin, Longford, Derry and Armagh. They will be accompanied by Fr Mario Conte, editor of the Messenger of St Anthony, a magazine published by the Conventual Franciscan Friars of St Anthony’s Basilica in Padua, Italy, where the saint’s tomb is located.
The relics will remain exposed during Eucharistic celebrations and after Mass all those attending will be invited to receive an extraordinary blessing.
For further information on tour dates and venues email: stanthonyinirelanduk@santantonio.org