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Dear Companion of St. Anthony
A July letter from Friar Gary Johnson, OFM Conv.
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Through our love and reflection on Scripture and our ministries of service, we continue to follow St. Anthony’s call. As a Companion of St. Anthony, you are truly part of a community striving for the common good and jointly praying daily for the work and ministry of Franciscans around the world.

 

Seeking the intercession of St. Anthony, Franciscan Friars Conventual and Companions accompany one another on their spiritual journeys. This companionship is an integral part of the Franciscan community, and as a Companion of St. Anthony, you are truly part of a community striving for common good.

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Latest News From the Friars

Friars and dedicated lay staff minister to the poor and marginalized, teach and evangelize, offer spiritual direction and counseling, and operate historic sites up along the East Coast of the U.S. The St. Anthony Companion keeps our community up-to-date on this important work.

Visit Our Shrine

The home of the Companions of St. Anthony is the Shrine of St. Anthony, located in scenic Howard County, Maryland. The chapel and first-class relic are open daily. The Shrine also hosts a number of events (many are livestreamed) for our community. Daily Mass intentions every Tuesday at the Shrine are for Companions.

Franciscan Soy Candles

Hand-crafted, wood-wick soy candles are made in The Shrine of St. Anthony. Br. Brian Newbigging has been creating a variety of themed candles to enhance prayerful spaces for years. Candles are available for delivery.

Fifth Station

Fifth Station: Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross

I could now see almost complete helplessness on the face of my son as he tried to carry his heavy load. Each step looked as if it would be his last. I felt his every pain in my heart and I wanted the whole thing to end. Then I noticed some commotion near Jesus. The guards had pulled a protesting man from the crowd. They forced him to pick up the back of the cross to help lighten my son's load. He asked the guards why this had to be. I knew, and so followed silently.

Lord Jesus I have many times refused to help you. I have been a selfish person who has often questioned your word. Don't let me remain to be like your mother, Mary, who always silently followed and obeyed.

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Stations of the Cross 10

Tenth Station: Jesus is Stripped of His Garments With my son finally relieved of the weight of the cross, I thought he would have a chance to rest. But the guards immediately started to rip his clothes off his blood-clotted skin. The sight of my son in such pain was unbearable. Yet, since I knew this had to be, I stood by and cried silently.

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Stations of the Cross 02

Second Station: Jesus Takes His Cross Regaining a little strength, I walked with the crowds to the entrance of the square. A door flew open and my son stumbled out, the guards laughing behind him. Two men dragged over a heavy wooden cross and dropped it on his shoulders. Then they shoved him down the road. My pain for him was unbearable. I wanted to

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Stations of the Cross 04

Fourth Station: Jesus Meets His Grieving Mother I managed to break through the crowd and was walking side by side with my son. I called to him through the shouting voices. He stopped. Our eyes met, mine full of tears and anguish, his full of pain and confusion. I felt helpless; then his eyes said to me, “Courage! There is a purpose for this.” As

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Seventh Station

Seventh Station: Jesus Falls the Second Time

Again my son fell, and again my grief was overwhelming at the thought that he might die. I started to move toward him, but the soldiers prevented me. He rose and stumbled ahead slowly. Seeing my son fall, get up again, and continue on was bitter anguish to me. But, since I knew this had to be, I walked on silently.

Lord, of all people Mary was your most faithful follower, never stopping in spite of all the pain she felt for you. I have many times turned away from you by my sins and have caused others to turn away from you. I beg you to have mercy on me.

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Latest Posts

A Letter from Friar Gary Johnson, OFM Conv.

A Letter from Friar Gary Johnson, OFM Conv.

Dear Companion of St. Anthony, The Solemnities of the Holy Trinity (6/15), The Body and Blood of Christ (6/22), the Sacred Heart of Jesus (6/27) and Saints Peter and Paul (6/29) all happen in rather rapid succession at the conclusion of the Easter Season.  I suggest to you that they can be seen as a bridge between Easter and of Ordinary Time. We are truly

Posted: Jun 23, 2025
A Letter from Friar Gary Johnson, OFM Conv.

A Letter from Friar Gary Johnson, OFM Conv.

Dear Companion of St. Anthony, I know that we are all familiar with praying for the intercession of our patron saints. Thousands come to our Shrine of St. Anthony and reach out to our Companions ministry requesting prayers each month. In addition to praying for intercession, Sr. Elizabeth Johnson, CSJ, suggested another way that saints can be involved in our lives: “cheering us on.” Isn’t

Posted: May 6, 2025
A Letter from Friar Gary Johnson, OFM Conv.

A Letter from Friar Gary Johnson, OFM Conv.

Dear Companion of St. Anthony, As we reach the mid-point of our Lenten journey, I feel inspired to share with you a quote from Pope Francis.  A number of years ago he said the following words during a talk he gave to priests of the nation of Colombia: “Knowing Jesus is the best gift any person can receive; that we have encountered him is the

Posted: Apr 1, 2025
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