Dear brothers and sisters,
Greetings! On January 16, 1946, Pope Pius XII proclaimed St. Anthony of Padua “worthy of the title Doctor of the Gospel…Doctor of the Universal Church.” This means that the Church recognizes him as a wise teacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the proclamation of St. Anthony as a Doctor of the Church. Why is this important?
The Church declared Anthony a saint on May 30, 1232, less than a year after his death.
Construction of a worthy burial church for him soon began in Padua, Italy. When Anthony’s remains were transferred to the newly completed Basilica in 1263, his tongue was found intact. Reverence for the saint spread from his burial place and has continued ever since.
Anthony’s knowledge of the Scriptures is reflected in his “Sunday Sermons.” A collection of materials to help preachers compose their own talks, these sermons were written in Padua about 1228. Because these texts interwove Anthony’s glowing brand of Franciscan spirituality with enduring Gospel verses, many people from all language groups and nationalities have developed a special devotion to St. Anthony throughout the centuries, and his popularity continues to grow.
Our parish is no exception. The Church of St. Francis of Assisi is deeply blessed to be known as ‘the National Shrine of St. Anthony of Padua,” completed in 1931 by Fr. Mathias Faust. It is in the lower church, originally a basement. Its distinctive architectural style, combined with intricate wood carvings, statues, and surrounding smaller shrines, reflects remarkable craftsmanship and beauty, making this a warm and inviting space for prayer and devotion. The Franciscan spirit and St. Anthony’s timeless appeal have flourished on 31st Street, making the shrine a favorite place of peace, devotion, and renewal for all the faithful who come to visit.
Each year on June 13th, we welcome hundreds of visitors from all walks of life to celebrate St. Anthony’s feast day. It is a day filled with faith, community, and joy. We share blessed bread, celebrate uplifting liturgies in multiple languages, enjoy inspiring music, and offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation. A spirit of reverence and happiness is felt throughout as people gather in prayer and song in honor of this beloved saint.
This year, the feast falls on a Saturday, and we warmly invite you to join us for this special celebration. If you are unable to attend in person, we encourage you to unite with us in prayer. Visit our website for the full schedule of events here!
I humbly ask all our parishioners and devoted followers of “Il Santo” to honor his enduring legacy by supporting this year’s St. Anthony’s Appeal. Our House of Peace is more than a building—it is a sacred place shaped by the presence of the Franciscan Friars and generations of faithful who have made St. Francis Church their spiritual home. Within these walls, countless memories of faith, community, and service have been created.
Yet, like any historic home, it requires constant care. Each day brings new needs-repairing walls and pipes, restoring statues and shrines, and meeting essential utility costs. These efforts ensure that our church remains a place of beauty, prayer, safety, and welcome for all. At this time, we are also undertaking a deeply meaningful project: the renovation of the 9/11 Memorial Shrine, the first and only memorial dedicated to honoring all the victims of that unforgettable day. Preserving this sacred space is a responsibility we carry with great reverence.
Your generous support makes everything we do possible. Together, we can preserve our heritage, serve our community today, and ensure that this House of Peace continues to inspire future generations. Above all, we are deeply grateful for your prayers and your presence—whether spiritual or physical—within our church. Your participation in the Mass, prayer services, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and our many programs and ministries strengthens and uplifts our entire community.
On behalf of my fellow friars, parish staff, and lay leaders, I wish you all a Blessed Feast of St. Anthony of Padua! Know that we remember you and your special intentions in our Masses offered on this special day, June 13th!
With gratitude and prayers,
Father Brian Jordan, OFM
Pastor
For questions, please call the parish Development Office at 212-736-8500, Ext. 307.
Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony
“Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints”
O Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of Saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request).
O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms. The gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen.