May 2022
Dear Companion of St Anthony:
Peace and all good. This past week I had the pleasure of meeting one of our Companions of St. Anthony. She came all the way from San Diego to pray at the Shrine and to finally visit here. During the long stretch of Covid and until now she has been watching our live stream masses and participating in our Novenas. She was able to fulfill her dream that day and enjoy the grounds of the Shrine.
Our St. Anthony Garden of Eternity is taking shape with every passing week. One of the sayings from St. Anthony that I have found speaks powerfully about the blessing it is to have such a meditation area. “We are formed by environment and grace, by politics and prayer, by church and conscience. All God’s creatures conspire to teach us as well. We stumble. We stutter. We rise. We are lifted.” It is my prayer that this St. Anthony Garden of Eternity fill the hearts, minds, and souls, of all who visit here. We pray that this sacred environment be a source of grace and peace and promise. St. Anthony patron of the lost, through your intercession bring to all who come here grace and mercy, peace, and promise, hope and refreshment.
I pray for all of you our Companions as we move into this month filled with First Communions, Confirmation, and Graduations. May our Risen Lord bring you all that you need in this time of new growth and promise.
In Christ and St. Anthony,
Fr. Richard-Jacob Forcier, OFM Conv.
Spiritual Guardian
Director and Rector, Shrine of St. Anthony
