On 27 January, the International day to Commemorate the Victims of the Holocaust, instituted in 2005 by the General Assembly of the United Nations to mark their liberation from Auschwitz concentration camp, the friars of the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua remember their fellow friar, the Venerable Placido Cortese (1907-1944), who was the director of the Messenger of Saint Anthony magazine.
The Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua will join in celebrating Sunday of the Word of God on 21 January. This initiative was spearheaded by Pope Francis in his effort to place the Holy Scriptures at the centre of life along with the Eucharist.
The celebration in the Basilica on Sunday 21 January at 11.00am will include a special ritual: the enthronement and the incensing of the Gospel. Moreover, during the whole celebration in the presbytery, the Gospel will remain exposed.
“The nativity scene reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas.” Pope Francis
Dear brothers and sisters, this year we are taking you all to Greccio, to remember the 800 years that have passed since Christmas 1223 when St. Francis set up his Nativity Scene to remember himself and the all world that God is very close to us, that he is real, alive and vibrant.
