For the first time, relics of St. Anthony of Padua, beloved as the “finder of lost things,” will travel from Italy to the Archdiocese of Denver for veneration at seven parishes, including the Cathedral Basilica.
The Messenger of Hope tour, set Oct. 14-23, includes two first class relics of the Franciscan friar who died in 1231 and was canonized just 11 months later by Pope Gregory IX, faster than any other saint. Franciscan Father Mario Conte, executive editor of Messenger of St. Anthony magazine, will accompany the relics.
“St. Anthony’s reputation as a finder of lost things dates to an incident in the saint’s life,” he explained. “A novice who had grown tired of religious life decided to leave the Franciscan community, but before leaving he took St. Anthony’s psalter.… Anthony prayed that the psalter would be found and returned to him.
“Anthony’s prayers were answered,” he continued. “The novice returned the psalter— and returned to the order.”
The Franciscans urge the faithful to ask for the saint’s intercession for more than the loss of material things, but also for those who have lost peace of mind or a sense of direction, and for a just society where no one is forgotten or lost.
Prayer petitions will be accepted by Father Conte, who will take them to St. Anthony’s Basilica in Padua, where the relics are housed, and place them at the saint’s tomb.
Box: St. Anthony Relics
The relics will be on display at the following churches; call for veneration and Mass times:
Oct. 14 – St. Rafka Maronite Church, Lakewood, 720-833-0354
Oct. 15 – St. Anthony of Padua, Denver, 303-935-2431
Oct. 16 – St. Michael the Archangel, Aurora, 303-690-6797
Oct. 17 – St. James, Denver, 303-322-7449
Oct. 18 – All Souls, Denver, 303-789-0007
Oct. 19-20 – St. Elizabeth of Hungary, 303-534-4014
Oct. 21-23 – Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Denver, 303-831-7010