Diocesan Shrine of St Anthony of Padua - Sulangan

25/03/2026

13/02/2026

In May 1231, exhausted from intense preaching during Lent in Padua and suffering from illness, St. Anthony accepted the invitation of his friend Count Tiso da Camposampiero to rest at a quiet hermitage on the count's estate. (A small cell was even built for him in a large walnut tree for peaceful prayer!)

One night, Count Tiso noticed an extraordinary, supernatural light pouring from Anthony's room—bright enough that he feared a fire. Rushing in, he beheld an unforgettable sight: St. Anthony kneeling in ecstasy, lovingly embracing and caressing a radiant Child of incredible beauty—the Infant Jesus Himself—who returned the embrace with tender affection, filling the saint with divine joy and consolation.

The vision ended, and Anthony, realizing the count had seen it, asked him to keep the secret until after his death (which came soon after, on June 13, 1231). This profound encounter highlights Anthony's childlike faith, deep humility, and intimate union with Christ, who humbled Himself to become small and approachable.

This story, rooted in early Franciscan traditions and accounts from places like the Shrine of the Vision in Camposampiero, reminds us today: Jesus longs to come close, to be held in our hearts with the same love and simplicity. Just as He appeared to St. Anthony, He invites each of us into that tender, personal embrace.

“I see my Lord!” — words echoed in the joy of that holy moment.

St. Anthony of Padua, pray for us! Help us open our hearts to the Child Jesus.

27/01/2026

THE UNFAILING PRAYER TO
ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA

O Holy St. Anthony,
gentlest of Saints,
your love for God and
charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Encouraged by this
thought, I implore you to obtain for me...

(Name your request)

O gentle and loving
St. Anthony, whose heart
was ever full of human
sympathy, whisper my petition into de ears of
the sweet Infant Jesus,
who loved to be folded
in your arms. Amen.

19/09/2025

Earthly riches are like the reed. Its roots are sunk in the swamp, and its exterior is fair to behold; but inside it is hollow. If a man leans on such a reed, it will snap off and pierce his soul.

St.. Anthony of Padua

12/09/2025

"The greedy man is really not rich, but poor. He does not control his money but is controlled by it. He does not possess his wealth but is possessed by it. He may have many things, yet for him he has all too little."

St. Anthony of Padua

21/07/2025

12/06/2025

KNOW YOUR FAITH | Five truths about St. Anthony of Padua

1. He is recognized as the most miraculous saint

St. Anthony is widely celebrated for the numerous miracles attributed to him—especially recoveries of lost spiritual or material goods—and is often called “finder of lost things.” His renown as a miracle-worker made him one of the most revered saints in Church history .

⸻

2. His real name was Fernando Martins de Bulhões

Born in Lisbon in 1195, his baptismal name was Fernando Martins de Bulhões. After entering the Franciscan Order, he took the name Anthony.

⸻

3. He is known as “Saint of the World”

Anthony’s influence spreads across the globe—he’s patron saint of Padua, Lisbon, Brazil, the Philippines, sailors, the poor, travelers, and many more. His international veneration has earned him an informal reputation as a “saint of the world”.

⸻

4. He was canonized less than a year after his death

Anthony died on June 13, 1231, and was swiftly canonized on May 30, 1232, just 352 days later—making him the second-fastest canonized saint in Church history.

⸻

5. People seek his intercession when things are lost

The affectionate rhyme “St. Anthony, St. Anthony, please come around — something is lost and can’t be found!” reflects a deep-rooted tradition. This practice dates back to a famous incident in Bologna where he prayed for the return of his stolen psalter, which was miraculously restored. Today, countless personal testimonies affirm his intercession in finding lost items.

12/06/2025

06/06/2025

05/06/2025

𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐔𝐀𝐋 𝐅𝐈𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐀 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐓. 𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐏𝐀𝐃𝐔𝐀

LITURGICAL ACTIVITIES:

NOVENA MASS SCHEDULE:
(June 4 - 12, 2025)
4:00 PM - Rosary and Novena
5:00 PM - Holy Mass

VESPER DAY MASSES
(June 12, 2025)
6:00 AM, 9:00 AM,
10:00 AM - (Pre-Jordan Seminar)
11:00 AM - (Baptism after Mass)
5:00 PM - Novena Mass

FIESTA DAY MASSES
(June 13, 2025)
5:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM
3:00 PM - GRAND PROCESSION
4:00 PM - STATIONAL MASS

Main Celebrant:
MOST REV. CRISPIN B. VARQUEZ, DD
Bishop of Borongan