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Dear friend of St Anthony,
The middle of August brings a double celebration to the Shrine of St. Anthony. Those devotees familiar to the saint know that his birthday falls on the 15th of August in the year 1195. At the same time, this day happens to be more popularly known in the Catholic world as the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary into heaven. I tend not to think that these events are merely coincidental but providential so that we can be encouraged and be given a model in our journey to God. The two stand as book ends in the trajectory of Christian life: the birth of St Anthony reminds us of our own humble beginning, while the Assumption of Our Lady points us to the glorious end where we must go. St Anthony certainly aspired to the life that the Blessed Mother lived through faithful obedience to God’s Word. St. Anthony pondered in his heart the meaning of the Scripture he proclaimed and treasured them as Mary di      
     Both St. Anthony and the Blessed Mother gave authentic witness to the words from Colossians that says, “Therefore, if you have been raised together with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory” (3:1-4).
     Both St. Anthony and the Blessed Mother gave authentic witness to the words from Colossians that says, “Therefore, if you have been raised together with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory” (3:1-4).
God bless you,
Fr Eric