Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua, 2013
Dear Friends of The National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi:
In just a few weeks, we will celebrate the glorious feast of St. Anthony of Padua (and Lisbon). I would like to invite you to join with all of us here at The National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi in San Francisco in our annual Novena of Masses in honor of St. Anthony.
Whether it be because he has helped you find lost objects or has other- wise interceded on your behalf, or just because you love this simple Franciscan preacher and teacher of the Good News, this is the time to honor him by sending in your prayers of thanks. Of course, it's always the appropriate time to set before him your prayers of petition, asking him to continue his powerful intercessory prayers.
If you can include a generous donation to the work of the Capuchin Franciscans at The National Shrine of St. Francis, that would be a wonderful gift. But, please, feel free to participate even if you cannot send a monetary offering at this time. All we ask is that all would support our work in prayer.
Things are progressing at The Shrine where an elevator is being installed to provide access for those who are physically challenged (whose ranks I have recently joined). A new rector will assume custody of The Shrine and its beautiful Lady Chapel, La Nuova Porziuncola, on July 1 and I will continue on as his associate.
The Shrine continues to be a prized venue for the sacred arts with recent presentations honoring Saints Francis and Clare, our "Francis in the Schools" musical presented in conjunction with our friends at Sufism Reoriented, and a performance of Handel's Messiah by the music department of the City College of San Francisco.
In the very near future, I will announce the naming of a Choir-in-Residence at The National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi.
Now is an exciting time to be part of this ministry of Franciscan prayer, Franciscan peacemaking, and Franciscan joy! Thank you for wanting to be part of this marvelous endeavor.
God bless you!
Pax et Bonum,
Fr. Gregory Coiro, O.F.M.Cap.
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