St. Anthony Wants You To Find His Maryland Shrine
Saint Anthony, Saint Anthony, please come around.
Something is lost and needs to be found.
Whether or not you are Catholic, you are probably familiar with this catchy rhyme about the great Saint Anthony of Padua: the Patron Saint of Lost and Stolen Items.
Saint Anthony of Padua is celebrated worldwide for his ability to help find lost items and his profound spirituality and powerful preaching. Born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1195, he was baptized as Fernando and initially joined the Augustinian Order. However, inspired by the martyrdom of Franciscan missionaries, he joined the Franciscans, adopting the name Anthony, and devoted himself to missionary work.
His eloquent preaching and deep knowledge of the Scriptures earned him a reputation as a great orator and theologian, leading him to teach theology to his fellow Franciscans. Anthony's life was marked by his fervent devotion to the poor and the oppressed, and he performed numerous miracles during his lifetime.
Saint Anthony died on June 13, 1231, in Padua, Italy, at 36. He was canonized less than a year later by Pope Gregory IX, an extraordinarily rapid canonization. He was later declared a Doctor of the Church in 1946 by Pope Pius XII in recognition of his enduring contributions to Christian theology and his profound spiritual writings.
Instead of finding things for you, St. Anthony - in honor of his feast day on June 13 - would like you to find something for him: this American shrine dedicated to him.
Located a mere 30 miles west of Baltimore in scenic Howard County, Maryland, the Shrine of St. Anthony is the long-time home of the Franciscan Friars and the Companions of St. Anthony ministries.
Nestled on 310 peaceful acres, the Shrine of St. Anthony invites you to "come away and rest awhile," beginning with the Jewel of the Shrine: the Chapel.
During your visit, you will want to take in all of the Chapel's intricate details, as well as mass, prayer, and special events.
Depending on the weather, you may wish to stroll around the Courtyard, which comes complete with a limestone fountain, murals depicting the life of St. Anthony, and a winding slate walk.
Quite possibly, the most unique part of the Shrine is the large and colorful library, which is accessible to pilgrims and visitors alike!
What is a shrine without a relic? St. Anthony's has that, too, via ex cute (dried skin or tissue) held inside a beautiful reliquary.
If you are running low on time, consider taking a one-hour tour of the Shrine, which can be scheduled by calling (410) 531-2800.
Whether you visit for an hour-long tour or take a day-long retreat, your pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. Anthony is one that you will never forget.
To learn more about the Shrine of St. Anthony, including retreat information, please visit their website.