The Relics of Saint Anthony of Padua return to Ireland today, Thursday 9 June. The relics will be accompanied in Ireland by Father Mario Conte, editor of the Messenger of Saint Anthony. Large crowds are expected to gather to venerate the relics of the much loved saint of lost things.
Later today, the relics will arrive at Saint Mary’s Church in Cahir, Co Tipperary, in the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore. The relics will be welcomed with a Mass at 12noon, and veneration of the relics. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available in the church from 2.00pm until evening mass at 7.30pm.
Tomorrow, Friday 10 June, the relics will continue on to Saint Mary’s Cathedral in Killarney, in the Diocese of Kerry. Masses will be celebrated at 10.30am and 6.15pm, with veneration of the relics taking place all day. The visit to Killarney coincides with the Saint Anthony Novena that is ongoing in the Franciscan friary which continues until 13 June, the Feast Day of Saint Anthony.
On Saturday 11 June, the relics will arrive in Knock, with a welcoming ceremony to take place at 11.00am. This will be followed by veneration in Knock Basilica until 2.30pm. The Polish Community Pilgrimage Mass will take place in the Basilica at 3.00pm followed by veneration until 7.30pm when there will be a concelebrated Mass followed by departure of the relics. At the conclusion of each Mass, all those attending will be invited to approach the relics and to receive an extraordinary blessing.
Finishing the week, the relics of Saint Anthony of Padua will be brought to Saint Mary’s Cathedral in Sligo on Sunday 12 June. Masses will be held at 12noon and 7.00pm, with veneration open to the public from 1.00pm to 5.00pm, from 6.00pm to 7.00pm and from 8.00pm to 9.30pm.
The dates and venues for next week are as follows:
- 13 June – Saint Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, Dublin
- 14 June – Saint Mel’s Cathedral, Longford
- 15 and 16 June – Saint Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry
- 16 and 17 June – Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh
Watch a short video here in which Father Mario Conte introduces the details of the visit and the particular relics which are in Ireland from today.
ENDS
