On the occasion of the 800th anniversary of St. Francis' Canticle of the Creatures, the Basilica of St. Anthony in Padua presents a program of Franciscan events and celebrations.
On Sunday, September 21, at 4:00 p.m., a Eucharistic celebration will be held in the Basilica to conclude the walking pilgrimage “En route with St. Anthony,” which began in Brive-la-Gaillarde (France) on June 29. The 1,306 km journey with a relic of St. Anthony carried by pilgrims has obtained the official patronage of the 2025 Jubilee for “the undoubted value of the proposal, which pays particular attention to evangelization, inviting young people to become true Pilgrims of Hope.”
On Tuesday, September 23, at 5:00 p.m., in the Sala dello Studio Teologico, the exhibition “Cantare Francesco - Artisti in opera” (Singing Francis - Artists at Work) will open, paying homage to St. Francis' Canticle of Brother Sun and Sister Moon on the 800th anniversary of its composition. The exhibition will remain open to the public until October 12. Admission is free. The art exhibition presents the premiere of 39 unpublished works by 29 Italian artists, some of international renown, who have tried to embody the charism of St. Francis and the poetic text of the Canticle.
At 8:45 p.m., the Basilica will host the Concert for the 2025 Jubilee with a selection from G. F. Handel's Messiah HWV 56, for soloists and orchestra, with the Cappella Musicale Antoniana, the Orchestra Antoniana, and two exceptional soloists: Yukari Mori (soprano) and Anastasia Egorova (mezzo-soprano). Conducted by Maestro Valerio Casarin.
Friday, October 3, at 11:00 a.m. in the Basilica, the solemn profession of Brother Alberto Lacovara will take place, and at 9:00 p.m., the celebration of the Transitus of St. Francis.
Saturday, October 4, Solemnity of St. Francis, at 6:00 p.m., Solemn Holy Mass presided over by the provincial vicar, Fr. Franco Giraldi. Following this, from 8:45 p.m. until midnight, there will be a “Saint Francis Night – Night of Laude et Benedictione” dedicated to young people, a moment of encounter with the Lord in the evocative silence of the Basilica illuminated by candles.
On Saturday, October 18, at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., at the Oratory of San Giorgio (at the side of the front of the Basilica), the Artemis Danza dance company will present the regional premiere of the show “Sacro - Laudato Sì mi Signore” (Sacred - Praise be to you, my Lord). Choreography by Monica Casadei, music by Antonio Amadei (cello) and Beatrice Marozza (violin), narration and acting by Andrea Pennacchi and Maria Virgillito (admission fee and reservation required).
On Sunday, November 9, at 6:30 p.m., the Oratory of San Giorgio will host the choral music concert “Anima in cammino” (Soul on a Journey), featuring medieval songs of grace, joy, and gratitude.