Seasonal Devotion

 

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July 2010

Ask, and it will be given to you

- Matt. 7:7

Dear Friend,

When I was a child, I didn't think my parents were afraid of anything. That faith made me feel safe and secure.

As I got older, however, I discovered that my parents had hidden their fears for my sake. Because, regardless of age, we all experience fear. It is simply part of life.

But just as a clearly marked road map helps us to find our way in an unfamiliar place, St. Anthony invites us to pray to him for spiritual guidance on the road to life.

Always loving and compassionate, St. Anthony, the Saint of Miracles, waits for us to tell him our troubles - no matter how big or small they may be.

Having lived as a poor friar, St. Anthony has a special understanding of the devastating effect corporate "downsizing" can have on families who rely on their jobs to provide not only income, but health insurance, pensions, and other important benefits.

Just as he worked to relieve suffering in his lifetime, St. Anthony offers his intercession now to help us obtain employment... recovery from illness...peace of mind...courage...trust in God...and any other need we may have.

Since summer is a season when many people are traveling, we can also pray to St. Anthony for the safety of friends and loved ones far from home.

As we do each year at this time, my brother friars and I will be gathering in prayer to honor this blessed Saint of Miracles during two Solemn Novenas of Masses that will be celebrated both here and at the Basilica of St. Anthony in Padua, Italy.

The Masses in petition will be offered from August 2nd through August 10th; the Masses in thanksgiving will be offered from August 11th through August 19th.

We sincerely invite you to join us in prayer during these summer Masses, as we gather to implore St. Anthony to help increase our awareness of God's loving presence in our lives, particularly at times when we feel confused, alone, and afraid.

Please send us your intentions and petition, so that they may be placed with ours on the altar of God during this special double Novena. Let us bring your needs and those of your loved ones before St. Anthony, our heavenly friend and comforter, trusting that he will intercede to God on our behalf.

Our friars and the poor children in our missions have seen the power of his intercession with their own eyes! Many blessings have been bestowed upon the poor in our care, thanks to this beloved Saint.

But their needs are still great. If you could spare an offering for the support of our compassionate work at home and around the world, I would be very grateful.

May God, send His angels to watch over you this summer.

With my prayers,

Fr. Robert, O.F.M.