*The Pontifical Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua*

*_Press Release_*

From Monday 15^th to Saturday 20^th February 2010, the mortal remains of St Anthony will be displayed in the Chapel of the Relics of the Pontifical Basilica of the Saint in Padua for the veneration of the faithful.

In this way we will satisfy the desire expressed by many to see the Body of the Saint again before its return to the splendid and recently restored Chapel of the Ark. The complex and delicate works started on 12^th April 2008 with the temporary transfer of the urn into the Chapel of St James were completed on 4^th December 2009.

The ostension coincides with the liturgical feast of the Translation of St Anthony (also known as the Feast of the Tongue), which is celebrated each year in the Basilica on 15^th February, in remembrance of the first translation of the Saint’s Body, which took place on 8^th April 1263 and organised by St Bonaventure (who found the tongue incorrupt on that occasion) and that of 15^th February 1350, when the Saint’s tomb found its final resting place in the present Chapel of the Ark. The public feast day is celebrated on the Sunday following 15^th February.

With the approval of the Pontifical Delegate for the Basilica, H.E. Mons. Francesco Gioia, having consulted the Bishop of Padua, H.E. Mons. Antonio Mattiazzo, the exposition shall follow this programme:

Sunday 14^th February, at 9pm: private transfer of the urn containing the Saint’s Body from its present temporary position to the Chapel of the Relics;

from Monday 15^th to Saturday 20^th February: to venerate the Body of St Anthony, the faithful may freely access the Chapel of the Relics, during the Basilica’s opening hours (6.20am – 7.00pm, Saturday until 7.45pm), entering the Basilica through the side entrance in Via Cesarotti, and leaving through the Magnolia Cloister exit. The front doors of the Basilica will be reserved to those who participate in the usual daily celebrations;

Saturday 20^th February, 9pm: the Body of St Anthony will be transferred to the Chapel of the Ark during a private celebration;

Sunday 21^st February: the Feast of the Translation (also called Feast of the Tongue) of St Anthony will take place as normal. The main moments will be the solemn Pontifical Mass by the Pontifical Delegate at 11am and the Holy Mass at 5pm, presided over by the Provincial Minister of the Friars Minor Conventual, which will be followed by the traditional Procession inside the Basilica with the Relic of the Chin of St Anthony.

Pilgrims and devoted followers of the Saint will therefore be able to see the Body of St Anthony reassembled and visible in a glass urn, 29 years after the last canonical and medical-scientific recognition which took place in January 1981, 750 years after the death of the Saint, followed by a memorable exposition, which lasted until 1^st March 1981. On that occasion approximately 650 thousand pilgrims poured into the Basilica.

For more information, contact the press office of the Messenger of St Anthony, tel. +39 049 8225926-5707, or 348 3200109.

With regard to the pastoral aspect (pilgrimages, bookings, celebrations etc.) please contact the Information Office of the Basilica, email infobasilica@santantonio.org; tel. +39 049 8789722, fax +39 049 8789735.

Padua, 13^th January 2010
F. Enzo Poiana OFM Conv.
Rector of the Basilica

Messaggero di Sant'Antonio
Resp. Ufficio Stampa
Cristina Sartori
Tel. 049.8225926-5707
Cell. 348.3200109
Via Orto Botanico 11
35123 Padova