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

In this video, Father Andrea Vaona introduces St. John Bosco, a great friend of young people, inspired by the charism of St. Francis.

Today, he reminds us that through education and love, every heart can return to God. In this time of great change, let us rediscover with him hope and a renewed commitment to future generations.

Let us entrust our hope for peace in the world to St. Anthony!

Peace and all good.

On this fifth Tuesday, Father Giancarlo Paris introduces us to Elisabetta Vendramini, a young woman who, following the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi, chose a life of poverty and service to those most in need—especially through the education and formation of young people.
In a difficult time like ours, marked by an educational crisis, Elisabetta teaches us that a young person’s life is a gift that can flourish only when someone truly cares for it.
Let us commit, within our families, to guiding our children in rediscovering the beauty of the Gospel.

We entrust to Saint Anthony the hope for peace in our world!
Peace and Goodness

Father Giorgio Laggioni introduces us to Brother Michele and Brother Zbigniew, two young Polish Conventual Franciscan friars who were killed out of hatred for the faith on August 9, 1991, in Pariacoto, Peru, by the Maoist terrorist group “Shining Path.”

Fully aware of the dangers they faced, they refused to abandon the poor among whom they lived. Their lives show us how important it is to remain faithful to the plan of love that Jesus entrusts to each of us.

At the end of his life, St. Francis tells us: “I have done my part; may Jesus teach you yours!”
Pope Leo XIV himself presented them as a sign of “unarmed hope” for our world in need of peace.

Let us entrust our hopes for peace in the world to Saint Anthony.

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.