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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.

Third Station

Third Station: Jesus Falls the First Time

I followed close behind my son as he stumbled toward Calvary. Nothing had ever hurt me more than to see him in such pain. I saw the cross digging into his shoulders. My heart dropped when I saw him fall face to the ground, the heavy cross landing squarely on his back. For a moment I thought my beloved son was dead. Now, my whole body began to tremble. Then the guards kicked him. He rose slowly and began to walk again, yet they still whipped him. I wanted to protect him with my own body. But, I knew this had to be, so I walked on and wept silently.

Lord, how often have I seen you fall, and, unlike Mary, have left you there without concern? How often have I seen people make mistakes and laughed at them? How often do I find myself getting angry when someone does things differently than I? Mary offered you her support through your entire passion. Help me to do the same for you by the support I give to others. Lord, have mercy on me.

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Seeking the intercession of St. Anthony of Padua, Franciscan Friars Conventual and Companions accompany one another on their spiritual journeys.

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Stations of the Cross 05

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

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About the Companions

ABOUT THE COMPANIONS OF ST. ANTHONY: The Companions of St. Anthony is a ministry of the Our Lady of the Angels Province of Franciscan Friars Conventual. Our mission is to support the Friars in their ministry of serving the people of God in all walks of life. We strive to feed people (you) with our Catholic faith as well as opportunities to join in the

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Stations of the Cross 09

Ninth Station: Jesus Falls the Third Time This fall of Jesus was agony to me. Not only had he fallen on the rocky ground again, but now he was almost at the top of the hill of crucifixion. The soldiers screamed at him and abused him, almost dragging him the last few steps. My heart pounded as I imagined what they would do to him

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Eighth Station

Eighth Station: Jesus Speaks to the Women

I was walking a few steps behind Jesus when I saw him stop. Some women were there crying for him and pitying him. He told them not to shed tears for him. They had the opportunity to accept him as the messiah; like many others, they rejected him instead. He told them to shed tears for themselves, tears that would bring their conversion. They did not see the connection between that and his walk to death. I did, and as he walked on, I followed silently.

My savior, many times have I acted like these women, always seeing the faults of others and pitying them. Yet, very rarely have I seen my own sinfulness and asked your pardon. Lord, you have taught me through these women. Forgive me, Lord, for my blindness.

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Eighth Station

Eighth Station: Jesus Speaks to the Women

I was walking a few steps behind Jesus when I saw him stop. Some women were there crying for him and pitying him. He told them not to shed tears for him. They had the opportunity to accept him as the messiah; like many others, they rejected him instead. He told them to shed tears for themselves, tears that would bring their conversion. They did not see the connection between that and his walk to death. I did, and as he walked on, I followed silently.

My savior, many times have I acted like these women, always seeing the faults of others and pitying them. Yet, very rarely have I seen my own sinfulness and asked your pardon. Lord, you have taught me through these women. Forgive me, Lord, for my blindness.

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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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