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.