Saint’s life shook the world
By Josh Tng
The B.C. Catholic
Vancouverites will have the opportunity to see and venerate first-class relics of St. Anthony of Padua in eight local churches.
“Right now, we have many members in Vancouver,” said Anna Marziliano, the Canadian representative of the Franciscan friars of Padua, Italy. “They might not be able to make it to the basilica in Padua, but a relic of St. Anthony will come to them.”
The relics, which are some of the saint’s skin, and a floating rib (lower rib not attached to the sternum), will be accompanied by Father Mario Conte, one of the 52 friars from the basilica in Padua, and will be on display Oct. 5-12.
St. Anthony, a 13th century doctor of the Church who was Portuguese and met St. Francis of Assisi, was one of the greatest preachers ever. He died at 36, and is prayed to for lost articles.
Marziliano, who will accompany Father Conte and Tom Muscatello, the American representative, on the tour, noted being in the presence of the saint was “amazing.”
“St. Anthony is quite a saint, and he’s one that really has captured the hearts of many people,” she said. Many who come to see the relics are non-Catholic, as the saint’s historic and moral significance attracts many people. “It transcends religions.”
“St. Anthony of Padua, a saint who died so many years ago, still has such a strong appeal to people,” Father Conte said. “Why? The answer is people see St. Anthony as their friend, as a member of their family.”
“He was constantly fighting for children and women, for the little ones in society. People feel this even today. When they go to pray to St. Anthony, they go to pray for the intercession of their friend who is close to God.”
Muscatello also noted the significance and appeal of the saint for all kinds of individuals. “St. Anthony was a mover and shaker in the world during his short lifespan. He constantly was fighting for the underdog. For that reason, I highly respect his tenacity and spirit.”
But there is also deep spiritual reason for visiting the saint’s relics, said Muscatello. “Venerating the holy relics is like extending your hand in friendship and faith to a saint. (St. Anthony) has helped so many people on many different levels. He’s a constant companion in so many devotees’ lives.”
During his travels with the relics and Father Conte, Muscatello sees how the saint has touched so many people. “I love hearing about the stories of how St. Anthony was there for them in trying times in their lives,” he said.
“We see many people from all walks of life with spiritual and physical challenges make their way to touch the relics of St. Anthony to thank him for being there when they needed him.”
Muscatello also noted the tour does not only bring the relics to the faithful. “Every tour we go on always ends back at the tomb of St. Anthony with the friars. We bring a piece of St. Anthony to those who can’t make it to Padua, Italy, and then bring their prayer cards back to Italy to place on the tomb.”
A list of parishes and times is posted at rcav.org/event/holy-relics-saint-anthony-padua-tour-3/, or contact Muscatello at 914-263-8841.
