He’s the popular saint known to help people find lost items and his miracles have won him affectionate veneration among Christians and non-Christians alike.
This autumn, tens of thousands of St Anthony’s devotees in Ireland and Britain are expected to turn out to welcome his relics as they tour the two countries in October and early November.
Padua-based Greyfriar, Fr Mario Conte, Editor of the Messenger of Saint Anthony magazine will accompany the relics – a small piece of petrified flesh and layers of cheek skin.
According to Fr Mario Conte: “There is nothing superstitious about relics. The real meaning of a relic is love – they are a link of love between the person who venerates and the saint.”
This relic tour is taking place to mark the 750th anniversary of the discovery of St Anthony’s incorrupt tongue by St Bonaventure. It will involve the relics visiting Dublin, Wexford, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Belfast.
For further information on tour dates and venues email: stanthonyinirelanduk@santantonio.org