Support Our Parish – Letter from Father Brian Jordan, OFM, Pastor
Dear brothers and sisters,
Greetings!
As friends of St. Anthony, you and I belong to a great community or communion of saints. It is a long-standing tradition that the saints in Heaven have interceded for us on earth, and we in turn honor them, seeking their prayers and guidance. Among these holy men and women, we have St. Anthony, one of the most beloved saints of all time.
St. Anthony was born in Lisbon, Portugal on August 15, 1195, and died in Padua, Italy on June 13, 1231. St. Anthony was a gifted preacher and theologian; he became one of the most revered saints in the Church and was given the title “Wonder-Worker Saint” and “Doctor of the Church” for his intercession has been sought by millions over the centuries, and countless miracles have been attributed to him, and for his profound knowledge of Scripture and powerful preaching.
No single country can claim St. Anthony as their own—neither the people of Italy nor the people of Portugal can claim him exclusively. St. Anthony is the Saint of the Whole World—a universal saint for a universal Church. Like St. Francis of Assisi, and in our time, Mother Theresa, St. Anthony was a peacemaker who followed St. Francis as an instrument of peace, helper of the poor and finder of lost things, speaks to the universal human experience of seeking guidance, compassion, and hope. His deep love for Christ and the poor continues to inspire people worldwide.
Anywhere in the world, you will find Christians praying to St. Anthony for help with life’s troubles and challenges–especially when searching for things they have lost. Devotion to St. Anthony is deeply woven into the life of the Church and at the heart of the Franciscan mission. Visit any Catholic church, and you will likely find a statue or stained-glass window of St. Anthony, along with the Way of the Cross, a devotion popularized by the Franciscans.
A Very Special Request
As we celebrate this joyous feast, we also turn to you with an urgent request. This year, we must address the significant cost of retrofitting our gas and electric control systems due to rising utility expenses across our three parish buildings. These upgrades are essential to ensuring the continued ministry and mission of our parish.
Your generosity has always sustained us, and we need your help now more than ever. Please consider making a generous gift to this year’s St. Anthony’s Appeal. Your donation will help us meet these challenges and secure a promising future for our parish community.
On behalf of the Franciscan Friars and staff of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, we thank you for your unwavering support and wish you a blessed and joyous Feast of St. Anthony! We hope to see you on Friday, June 13 to celebrate the Feast of St. Anthony, click here to view the schedule. If you would like special intentions in my prayers and those of the Franciscan Friars, please click here (insert link) to complete the form.
With gratitude and prayers,
Father Brian Jordan, OFM
Pastor
P.S. We invite you to light a Tribute Candle. Remember your loved one or special intention in a meaningful way! The Church of St. Francis of Assisi invites you to light a candle in the Shrine of St. Anthony in the Lower Church for a full year. Each candle will have a personalized plaque (2” x 1”) displayed beneath it, inscribed with the name of your loved one or intention. The annual offering is $200 per candle. Through your gifts, we provide a place of prayer, guidance, and service for all who seek hope and renewal. Thank you for being a part of our mission and for helping us bring the love of Christ to all. For more information, please call the Development Office at 212-736-8500, Ext. 307.
