13 Days Novena 2026

Today, the 13th day of the Novena, in Camposampiero we experience the final, intense moments of the Saint’s earthly life. Now ill and weary, Anthony takes refuge among the branches of a walnut tree, and from there continues to comfort the crowd and perform miracles. He meets Magdalene, a woman who felt humiliated and wounded because she was unable to have children. The Saint comforts her and prophesies the birth of her child.
Let us pray: "Lord, good Father, we thank you for giving us Saint Anthony, a sign of your tenderness in the world. Through his intercession, make our hearts open to the Gospel, attentive to the poor, strong in faith, active in charity, and grant us to live always in your peace. Amen"

Today, on the 12th day of the Novena, we discover the courage of our beloved saint in defending the weak. Though already ill, Anthony did not hesitate to set out on a journey to demand the release of the people of Padua who had been taken prisoner by the powerful tyrant Ezzelino da Romano. Rinaldo, a court servant, recounts the moment when the saint confronted Ezzelino.
Let us pray: "Lord, through the intercession of Saint Anthony, grant us a heart free from domination, capable of bending down to those who suffer and of sowing your peace. Amen"

Today, on the 11th day of the Novena, we relive a miracle of profound significance in Padua. The sister of a rich and greedy man tells us that at her brother’s funeral, a woman cried out, “That man had no heart!” Faced with the widow’s anger, Saint Anthony showed her that his heart was, in fact, locked inside a chest among the gold coins.
Let us pray: "Saint Anthony, teach us to seek God above all else, for only in Him does our heart find true peace. Amen"

Today, on the 10th day of the Novena, we meet the young Martin. He tells us how, repentant for having kicked his mother in a moment of anger, he cut off his own foot as a form of punishment. Saint Anthony, moved by compassion, miraculously reattached the limb to Martin’s leg.
Let us pray: "Saint Anthony, accompany us on our journey of conversion and open our hearts to God’s mercy. Amen"

Today, on the 9th day of the Novena, fr. Jacopo describes St. Francis’s joy upon receiving news of the famous miracle of the fish at Rimini. Deeply moved by this miracle and by Anthony’s wisdom, Francis wrote him a warm letter appointing him the Order’s first master of theology.
Let us pray: "Saint Anthony, make us attentive to the voice of the Lord, open our hearts so that they may not remain closed, and grant us the courage to welcome His Word. Amen"

Today, on the 8th day of the Novena, young Fiorina takes us to Forlì on the day of St. Anthony’s first, historic sermon. Wounded by harsh words that had driven her away from the Church, Fiorina rediscovers her faith by listening to the Saint, who speaks with such gentleness that everyone can feel God’s embrace and forgiveness.
Let us pray: " Anthony, grant us sincere and kind words that bring light and hope to those in need. May our lives bear witness to God’s goodness more than our words. Amen"

Today, on the 7th day of the Novena, we encounter Saint Anthony, who, having arrived in Italy after a terrible storm caused him to be shipwrecked in Sicily, traveled to Assisi to meet Saint Francis. There he was welcomed by fr. Graziano, who took him to the quiet of the Montepaolo monastery.
Let us pray: "Saint Anthony, teach us to listen to the Lord, to trust the path He opens before us, and never to lose hope.Amen"

Today, on the 6th day of the Novena, we are experiencing a truly difficult moment in the life of our beloved Saint Anthony. Upon arriving in Africa, he was struck by a fever so severe that it threatened his life, but the Lord placed Yusuf, a big-hearted Arab merchant, in his path, who welcomed him into his home and cared for him as if he were his own son.
Let us pray: " Lord, through the intercession of Saint Anthony, grant us a heart capable of listening to your will and trusting in You even when we do not understand the path. Amen"

Today, on the 5th day of the Novena, we meet the slave Nuno, who tells us how Saint Anthony saved his life. In Morocco, upon seeing this man chained and starving, the Saint, in order to free him, gave the merchant the only valuable thing he possessed—a gold seal he had received as a gift—and sent him home to his family.
Let us pray: "Lord, through the intercession of Saint Anthony, free every person from what humiliates them and make us instruments of justice, dignity, and hope. Amen."

Today, on the 4th day of the Novena, we meet fr. Philip, who tells us about the beginning of Anthony’s great adventure. Wearing his new Franciscan habit and with a heart full of courage, he sets sail for Morocco, ready to do anything to bring the Word of God to those who do not yet know it.
Let us pray: "Lord, through the intercession of Saint Anthony, grant us a heart ready to follow you and to bring your love to the people we meet every day. Amen."

Today, on the 3rd day of the Novena, we hear the moving story of João, the gardener at the convent in Coimbra. The young Antonio, moved by the sacrifice of the first Franciscan martyrs, decides to become a Franciscan friar. His desire is to be a martyr.
Let us pray: "Lord, through the intercession of Saint Anthony, sustain those who suffer for the faith and grant us, too, a faithful and courageous heart to live the Gospel every day.Amen."

Today, on the 2nd day of the Novena, we meet Saint Anthony’s fencing master, who recounts a moving moment: when the young Fernando, destined to become a noble knight, decided to lay down his sword to follow the Lord. In his heart there was no longer room for war, but only for peace, a gift from God.
Let us pray: "Lord, through the intercession of Saint Anthony, make our hearts docile to your voice and able to trust in your love always. Amen."

Today, on the 1st day of the Novena, we return to Lisbon in 1195 to hear the tender recollection of Mary, the mother of little Fernando. Saint Anthony learned to pray by clasping the hands of his earthly mother and entrusting himself to Mary, his heavenly Mother.
Let us pray: "Lord, through the intercession of Saint Anthony, teach us to pray with hearts as simple as children’s, entrusting ourselves to You and to the tenderness of Your Mother and ours. Amen"

13 DAYS, 13 STORIES. A journey of faith.
From May 31 to June13, each day fr. Mario Conte will accompany you with a short video, in the journey towards the Feast of St. Anthony.
Through stories, miracles and moments of faith, we will discover together a St. Anthony close to our lives and still be able today to speak to our heart.
Enjoy the journey!