For Franciscans, what is a Memorial for most Catholics is a liturgical Feast for Franciscans when St. Anthony’s day occurs on June 13 (this Friday). We will celebrate his feastday with due solemnity and bless bread made that day at Cantoro’s Italian Market into “St. Anthony’s Bread.” The schedule is the normal schedule we always keep—with Mass at Noon—but the readings and prayers will be proper for St. Anthony from the Franciscan Lectionary and Sacramentary (i.e., Missal).
The Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary falls on Saturday, June 28, this year. We will have our normal schedule but after Mass we will process to the Shrine-Grotto to “gather under our Mother’s mantle” as we pray the Rosary around the miraculous statue of the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary. Then, a simple outdoor (weather permitting) reception will be available so we can continue rejoicing at having so great and so loving a spiritual Mother.
To communicate with me, please email me directly at abunaalex@yahoo.com or call/text me at (313) 727-9784. St. Anthony of Padua, pray for us!
In Jesus, Mary & Joseph,
Fr. Alex Kratz, OFM
Spiritual Director of Terra Sancta Ministries