The Statue of St. Anthony in St. James Church
St. Anthony of Padua
Dear Family of Mary!
July 25, 2007 “Dear children! Today, on the day of the Patron of your Parish, I call you to imitate the lives of the Saints. May they be, for you, an example and encouragement to a life of holiness. May prayer for you be like the air you breathe in and not a burden. Little children, God will reveal His love to you and you will experience the joy that you are my beloved. God will bless you and give you an abundance of grace. Thank you for having responded to my call.”
On the 13th of June is St. Anthony’s feast day, and here in the region there is a long standing tradition where many young people, and older people too, will leave their homes during the night and walk many kilometers to Ljubuski where the Fransiscan Shrine of St. Anthony is situated. From Medjugorje it is about an 18 Kilometer walk but so many people are prepared to do the walk. They will arrive at St. Anthony’s Shrine, where they will attend Holy Mass. There is Holy Mass on the hour, every hour, from 5 am throughout the day to 7 pm. So the pilgrims arrive, attend Holy Mass, and then they also take part in Confession in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is a great joy to see how many young people of this area, and also pilgrims that come, who very willing wish to do this devotion. (Tea with Rosie # 201 – June 14, 2017)
Pilgrims gathered at St. Anthony’s Shrine in Ljubuscki
Our Lady tells us “I call you to imitate the lives of the Saints. May they be for you an example and encouragement to a life of holiness.” She knows how difficult it is to live a holy life. Especially in these days when our cultures are focused so much on the world and the darkness. Staying close to the saints is important. Their example can really help us when we are making choices.
Here is a prayer to St. Anthony that I like. May St. Anthony help us is all our difficulties and trials:
St. Anthony, faithful servant of Christ, you offered comfort and consolation to all who came to you in times of trouble. Pray for me now, that I may know true peace of mind, heart and soul. Help me grow in faith, so that I may be free from all useless and needless anxiety in this life.
Fill me with a complete and lasting confidence in God’s healing graces. Grant me the serenity known by those who let go of resentments, bitterness and anger. Reassure me that Our Divine Savior, Jesus Christ, is with me every step of the way, every day of my life, and that in His gracious love I need not worry or fear any of life’s difficulties. Amen.
“When you look into muddy or choppy water,
you will not see your face reflected.
If you want the face of Christ, who looks
on you, to be reflected within you, come away
from the disturbance of exterior things,
and let your soul be at peace.”
– St. Anthony of Padua
In Jesus, Mary and Joseph!
Cathy Nolan
©Mary TV 2018
