13 Days Novena 2025
13 Videos for 13 Days: Walking with the Friars of the Basilica of Saint Anthony Towards the Feast of June 13
In preparation for the Solemnity of Saint Anthony, the friars of the Basilica of the Saint in Padua, Italy, have launched a special digital initiative to spiritually accompany the faithful during the 13 days leading up to the June 13 celebration. The series, titled "ANTHONY – Words of Love, Words of Hope", consists of 13 videos, each approximately five minutes long, offering an original and profound journey of reflection.
The videos, conceived as a kind of spiritual journey in the footsteps of Saint Anthony, portray the Saint in Padua during the final months of his earthly life. In each episode, he experiences or recalls meaningful moments from his ministry, both in the city and in the places he visited during his missions. From these experiences, Anthony draws insights that will be woven into the 13 sermons he is writing—part of his great theological and spiritual work.
13: SERMON ON THE TRANSFIGURATION - In His Arms-
Just as Peter, James and John contemplated the glory of Jesus on Mount Tabor, so too did St. Anthony experience a foretaste of the divine light in his encounter with the Child Jesus. Therefore, let us turn to him with trust and confidence:
Dear St. Anthony, you saw the light of Jesus in the face of the Child. Help us to grow closer to Him in the Eucharist. Teach us to listen to His voice, to trust Him, and to follow Him, so that we may be changed by His love. Amen.
12: SERMON ON JOSEPH SOLD BY THE BROTHERS -God of Truth-
Both St. Anthony and Jesus embody the divine qualities of justice and mercy, reminding us that true justice is never separate from compassion.
Le's pray:
"Dear St. Anthony, teach us to seek truth through love, and to act always with compassion. Help us to forgive, to reconcile, and to bring healing where there is pain. May we trust in God's wisdom to guide our hearts and actions. Grant that we may reflect His love in all we do. Amen."
11: SERMON ON SHEEP AND GOATS -The Justice of God -
Good does not always triumph immediately, but every act of righteousness and mercy leaves a mark that can never be erased.
Let's pray: "Dear St. Anthony, you who have always defended the innocent, revealing the power of God's justice and love - intercede for us in our times of trouble. Help us to live with courage and faith, as true instruments of good in the face of evil. Amen"
10: SERMON ON THE BREAD OF LIFE -Living Bread -
Receiving the Eucharist feeds our soul, strengthens our connection with Christ, and gives us the grace to resist sin. It deepens our faith, renews our spiritual life and brings us closer to Jesus, helping us grow in holiness.
Let's pray: "Dear Saint Anthony, help us grow in love for the Holy Eucharist. Teach us to come to this Sacrament with reverence and devotion, and to receive it often, drawing strength and grace from Jesus, our Bread of Life. Amen."
9: SERMON ON THE WEDDING OF CANA -Grace Through Trial -
We trust in God's power to transform our lives, no matter how fragile they may seem. Just as He turned water into wine, He can turn our struggles into blessings, our doubts into faith, and poison into salvation. Let us pray:
"Dear St. Anthony, teach us to trust in God's grace, especially in times of difficulty and doubt. Help us to open our hearts to His will, so that our lives may be renewed and filled with His light and love. Amen."
8: SERMON ON THE TRUE VINE -The Fruits of the Vine-
St. Anthony’s homily reminds us that without the Lord, we can achieve nothing of lasting value. An abundance of fruit does not come from our efforts alone, but from remaining united with Christ. Let us persevere in faith, trusting that in God’s perfect time, the fruits will come. Let us pray:
"Dear St. Anthony, teach us to trust in God’s will, especially in times of trial, as you once did. Help us to remain close to Christ, the True Vine, so that our lives may bear lasting fruit—fruit born of faith, perseverance, and love. Amen"
7: SERMON ON THE PHARISEE AND THE PUBLICAN - The power of Humility-
In a world so often driven by pride and competition, St. Anthony's words remind us that true greatness lies in humility, in recognizing our need for God's mercy and embracing a spirit of compassion.
Let us pray:
"Dear St. Anthony, beacon of humility and preacher of truth, guide us to seek God with sincere and humble hearts. Teach us to reject pride and trust not in our own strength, but in the boundless mercy of the Lord. Amen."
6: SERMON ON TALENTS - Live Your Gifts-
By following the Lord’s plan, we commit to using the talents He has entrusted to us to bring hope and love into the lives of others. In doing so, we grow as individuals, draw closer to our neighbors, and glorify the Lord through our actions. And now, let us turn to St. Anthony in prayer:
"Dear St. Anthony, you who faithfully used the gifts entrusted to you by God to proclaim His word and serve His people, guide us in recognizing the talents we have received. Help us to use them wisely and humbly, for the glory of God and the good of others. Amen."
5: SERMON ON GOOD SAMARITAN - Love and Share -
St. Anthony's message calls us to break down the walls that divide us, to serve our neighbors with humility - expecting nothing in return - and to make love visible through our actions, thus bringing us closer to God.
For this, we invoke his help:
"Dear St. Anthony, model of compassion, help us to see the face of Christ in those who suffer. Teach us to act with mercy, to love with a generous heart, and to serve with willing hands. Grant that, like the Good Samaritan, we may bring healing, comfort and hope to those in need. Amen."
4: SERMON ON THE RICH FOOL -The True Treasure -
St. Anthony invite us to reflect on the dangers of materialism and the greedy attachment to wealth. True fulfillment is not found in earthly possessions but in the care of the soul and in storing up the treasures of heaven. So let us pray:
"Dear St. Anthony, guide us to free our hearts from greed and seek the true treasures of heaven. Help us to live generously, love deeply and trust in God's providence, so that we may find eternal joy in His kingdom. Amen"
3: SERMON ON THE PRODIGAL SON - Hearts Reunited -
We should always strive to heal broken relationships, for reconciliation brings peace, reflects God's mercy and strengthens our bond with Him and with one another. Let us, then, lift our prayer to St. Anthony:
"Dear St. Anthony, we turn to you and ask for your intercession in our broken relationships. Help us to overcome pride and anger, and to approach one another with humility and love. Teach us to forgive as God forgives, and to seek reconciliation with those we have hurt. Amen."
2: SERMON ON ELEMOSINE -Faith in Action -
Let us turn to St. Anthony, asking for his intercession to help us become more supportive of the poor - not only those nearby, but also those far away – so that we may grow in compassion and generosity.
"Dear St. Anthony, you cared deeply for the poor and saw Christ in their sufferings. Teach us to open our hearts and hands to those in need. Help us to trust in God's providence, knowing that every act of charity brings us closer to His kingdom. Amen."
1. THE SERMON OF THE BEATITUDES. -Light in the Darkness -
The Beatitudes - more relevant now than ever - remind us of our call to serve the common good. Let us entrust ourselves to St. Anthony, asking for his intercession, that we may live them fully:
"Dear St. Anthony, guide us to live the Beatitudes each day. Help us to be humble, merciful and promoters of peace and justice. Teach us to follow Christ with faith and compassion so that our lives reflect His love. Amen."
Teaser 13 days Novena with St. Anthony
13 Videos for 13 Days: Walking with the Friars of the Basilica of Saint Anthony Towards the Feast of June 13th.
In preparation for the Solemnity of Saint Anthony, the friars of the Basilica of the Saint in Padua, Italy, have launched a special digital initiative to spiritually accompany the faithful during the 13 days leading up to the June 13 celebration.
The videos will be available online starting May 31, with one released each day until June 12, the eve of the Feast of the Saint.