Arts & Culture Event Notices

Blessed Relics of Saint Anthony to Visit from Italy for 100th Feast

In celebration of the Centennial of the Feast of Saint Anthony, the members of Saint Anthony’s Society have announced the visitation of the Blessed Relics of Saint Anthony from the Pontifical Basilica Di Sant’ Antonio in Padua, Italy.

Fr. Alessandro Ratti, OFM Conv of the Franciscan Friars of Padua, will travel with two major relics of the beloved Saint. “We are very happy to share with all friends of Saint Anthony the “physical presence” of our patron Saint.” said Fr. Ratti.

The Blessed Relics will be taken in procession on Friday, August 23, during the opening ceremonies of the Saint’s 100th festival and will be on display for public viewing and veneration at the festival between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 24. 

A Centennial Mass of Celebration in honor of Saint Anthony will be celebrated on the bandstand at 5 p.m. The Mass will conclude with the individual blessing with the Holy Relics and the distribution of blessed Saint Anthony Bread at the outdoor Chapel. The Relics can also be viewed at Saint Leonard Church during the weekend.

The full public schedule for viewing and veneration of the relics is posted below.

Friday, August 23

6:30pm: Members of the societies take the statue of Santa Lucia in procession to St. Leonard Peace Garden to greet our Parish priests and guests from the Basilica di Sant’ Antonio in Padua, Italy who bring with them the Blessed Relics of Saint Anthony.

A gilded bust of the Saint containing his relics is carried in procession to the Opening Ceremonies of 100th St. Anthony’s Feast – 201 Endicott Street.

7pm: Opening Ceremonies of the 100th St. Anthony’s Feast – The exposition and blessing of the statue of Saint Anthony, members, fellow devotees and the streets of the North End. 

Opening Procession – The statue of Saint Anthony is taken in procession, blessing the streets of the Feast, and placed in the outdoor chapel for weekend vigil. The Blessed Relics returned to St. Leonard Church.

8:30pm – 11pm: Public Veneration of the Relics of Saint Anthony
Saint Leonard of Port Maurice Church, Hanover Street

Saturday, August 24

9am – 1pm: Public Viewing & Veneration of the Blessed Relics of Saint Anthony.
Outdoor Chapel of Saint Anthony, Endicott Street.

1pm – 5pm: Public Viewing & Veneration of the Relics of Saint Anthony.
Chapel of Santa Lucia, 201 Endicott Street. 

5pm: Outdoor Celebration of the Eucharist – Celebrate a special Mass in honor of Saint Anthony & 100 years of Faith, Family, Community & Tradition, followed by a Blessing with the Blessed Relic of Saint Anthony & distribution of Blessed Saint Anthony Bread.
Bandstand – Endicott Street 

6pm: Procession returns the Blessed Relics to St. Leonard Church. 

6:15pm – 11pm: Public Veneration of the Blessed Relics of Saint Anthony
Saint Leonard of Port Maurice Church, Hanover Street

Sunday, August 25

10:30am: Mass celebrated in Italian in honor of Saint Anthony
Saint Leonard of Port Maurice Church, Hanover Street

12pm: Grand Procession of Saint Anthony: Join us for the start of the ten hour grand procession beginning on Endicott Street. The statue of Saint Anthony is carried through the streets of the North End accompanied by Italian street bands, award winning drum & bugle corps, school marching bands, sponsor floats, and color guard.

1pm – 6pm: Public Veneration of the Relics of Saint Anthony
Saint Leonard of Port Maurice Church, Hanover Street

View the 2019 North End Feast Schedule.