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 that what a companion does for us, for instance, when we are on a long journey, or experience a trial in our lives?

What about seeing the saints as our sisters and brothers? Brothers and sisters whose spiritual journeys we can draw daily inspiration and comfort from. I often meet pilgrims here at the Shrine for whom their relationship with St. Anthony can only be described as “current” and “living,” not a relation with some inspiring figure from the past, no matter how holy he was.

Next month, we will be hosting author and speaker Colleen Carroll Campbell at our St. Anthony Festival on June 14.  I first encountered her as I read her book entitled: My Sisters the Saints. In this text she describes Catholic saints whose lives, witness, inspiration, and guidance helped her to maneuver through many challenges in her life and grow stronger in her Catholic faith. Does that sound as attractive to you as it was to me?  St. Anthony, St. Francis, St. Clare are on the list of Franciscan saints who have helped me maneuver in my life and grow closer to Jesus.

Our Easter faith proclaims Jesus alive. It is our Church’s faith that this is a gift He wants to share with each of us and has through our baptism. May a living, supportive encounter with Jesus, and the saints which he introduces us to, move us forward trusting his mercy and love.  And like the saints, may we find ways to share those gifts and to enhance them in lives that we encounter each day.

Peace,

Friar Gary W. Johnson