It started last Saturday, June 1, 2024in the Church of S. Maria di Porta Santa in Andria, the route of “Tredicina a S. Antonio”the characteristic Antonian devotion which for 13 days prepares us spiritually for the Feast of the Saint.
The devotion to St. Anthony cultivated in this rectory is more than a century old. In the 1940s the new statue was created which is still an object of veneration today and the current bell dedicated to St. Anthony was cast. Until the 1980s, before the restoration of the Church, the altar of St. Anthony had a rich decoration, and 13 silver lamps on the front to indicate a strong and heartfelt devotion.
Currently the rectory of S. Maria di Porta Santa is managed by parish community of S. Agostino.
On this spiritual journey, which has just begun, we will learn more about the evangelical radicality of the fascinating figure of St. Francis of Assisi.
In these years there are important anniversaries of the patron saint of Italy: 1223 the Nativity scene of Greccio, 1224 The stigmata, 1226 his death. It is behind the figure of Francis that the sanctity of Anthony of Padua takes shape and in the rule of Franciscanism that Anthony will become a sign of God’s mercy.
By looking into the life of Francis we will discover strong experiences, capable of helping us to live important moments of life evangelically: illness, brotherhood, suffering, love.
They will be moments to reflect, to understand and to pray.
«In the footsteps of Francis and his disciple Anthony – Let us rediscover the sense of community and the common good of the beauty of life according to the Gospel».
Here is the complete program of the celebrations in honor of St. Anthony:
Church of S. Maria di Porta Santa
1 – 12 June 2024
6.30 am: S. Rosario – Eucharist – Tredicina
6.30 pm: Holy Rosary – Eucharist – Tredicina
3 June: Francis the Friar of Assisi who infects Assisi with his youth and enthusiasm
4 June: “Francis’ illness is a source of healing in the spirit”
June 5: The Vocation of Francis
June 6: The poor man from Assisi
7 June: Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Fraternity: the Lord gave me brothers.
June 8th Holy Clare: little plant of God
June 9: Sunday in Ordinary Time
June 10: The Mission to the East
11 June: The nativity scene of Greccio and the Stigmata of La Verna
June 12th: The Song of Creatures and Sister Death
Transit – Suffrage Day
June 13: S. Anthony
Eucharist 7.00am – 10.00am – 7.00pm
At the end of each celebration, blessing of the bread of charity of St. Anthony.
