13-Tuesdays Novena to St. Anthony 2026: The Saints of the Franciscan Family

March 31: St. Anthony, Disciple of Francis

A deep bond unites St. Francis and St. Anthony: a love for Jesus made flesh, a passion for the Gospel, and a commitment to becoming poor with the poor. The life of St. Anthony finds its fullest expression in his encounter with the charism of Francis.

Fr. Antonio Bertazzo invites us to reflect on the final days of the earthly life of our beloved St. Anthony. He spent his last days in Camposampiero until June 13, 1231, when, upon arriving in Arcella, he bid farewell to his brothers with words that speak of heaven: “I see my Lord.”

We ask the Saint to continue guiding us on our journey.

𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑐ℎ 24: 𝑊𝑒 𝑀𝑒𝑒𝑡 𝑆𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝐹𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑠

Father Fabio Turrisendo invites us to discover the “fire” that ignited the heart of Saint Francis: the encounter with a God who, though the Most High, makes himself small and humble out of love for us. Francis teaches us to look at the world with new eyes, recognizing every creature—from the sun to the moon, from water to fire—as a sister or a brother. Let us be amazed by the beauty of creation so that we may rediscover the joy of praising the Lord and the strength to care for all that surrounds us as grateful stewards.

Let us continue to pray together for peace!

Peace and all Good 🙏🙏

This year we dedicate the “13 Tuesdays” to the Saints of the Franciscan family. On the occasion of the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis, each meeting will be an encounter with saints who, like St. Anthony, lived the Gospel following the example of St. Francis of Assisi. It will also be an opportunity to give thanks for the dear people in our lives, witnesses of love and charity.

The first video meditation is presented by Fr. Giancarlo Zamengo, OFM Conv, General Director of The Messenger of Saint Anthony.

A good journey… together toward the Feast of Saint Anthony on June 13!

Every Tuesday at 6 pm CET it will be possible to follow the live streaming of the Holy Mass and the 13 Tuesdays Novena prayer from the Basilica of St. Anthony on our Facebook page.