Pilgrim reception

The Messenger of Saint Anthony's Pilgrim Reception Office is an open window to Anthonian devotion. Priests are always ready to listen to and welcome pilgrims devoted to the Saint. It is one of the most visited areas by pilgrims.
 

The name explains its function: the receiving and welcoming of whoever is inspired by the Saint and who wishes to enter into direct contact with the Friars of the Messenger of Saint Anthony.

The reception office is open every day with the following timetable:

Winter time: 8.00 - 18.30
Summer time: 8.00 - 19.00
 

Where is it?

It is in the Messenger's shop, situated in the Magnolia Courtyard.

Inside the shop there is a room where the faithful can meet religious who are ready to welcome them and listen to them.
This office, offers the opportunity of direct contact between the Messenger and its subscribers.

They come here to subscribe to the magazine as a sign of the strong link that unites them with the Saint. A link which naturally strengthens year by year, renewing their faith in the Anthonian magazine.Many faithful have Masses celebrated or in fulfilment of vows.
The day is devoted to listening and begins early, as soon as the Anthonian complex doors open, and it continues until the end of the day. Men and women, young and old, from various destinations and social backgrounds, arrive unceasingly, united by a common faith, by a common devotion.
 

During conversation with the faithful, the most important thing is to pay attention and to listen.

Many live with a heavy burden and are suffering greatly. But there are also experiences of great faith, a faith which lends its force to help us keep going. Telling one's own experiences, happy, or for the most part sad, offers the opportunity to discover the presence and concrete aid of Saint Anthony.

Certainly it is a diversified religiousness. It differs greatly according to the geographical areas and the culture of each individual country. For example, the Philippines have a tradition of having a Holy Mass celebrated for every important occasion in their life: the birth of a child, a birthday or trip. The faithful from Sri Lanka for example, are used to offering their neck chain to the Saint as a token of their devotion.

Amongst all those who turn to the reception office, there are also people who, thanks to the intercession of Saint Anthony, have succeeded in bringing serenity to their family life or to their relationship. There are also young people who have finally found a job. They all wish to thank the Saint. There are those, who bring their first pay check; others their first pension check. Newlywed brides, on the other hand, offer their wedding dresses so they can be donated to a couple in need who are about to wed.
Many come with several months' worth of their savings to give to the numerous charitable initiatives, undertaken in poor countries, by the Messenger of Saint Anthony through Saint Anthony's Charities. These initiatives are presented every year on the pages of the magazine in the form of a detailed report. Once they have left their donation, people often ask us at what stage a certain project is; or they ask what other projects are underway. Others give their donation to support the activities of St. Anthony's Village, a place which hosts handicapped young people with family problems.

The grace received becomes the donation offered. The people who come here, can be certain that their donation will help other people in need, through the Messenger and St. Anthony's Charities. They know that whatever they donate, they are contributing to a good cause. We could even say that through these people, the Messenger of Saint Anthony becomes 'a factory of goodness'."