On June 13, 2025, the friars of the General House of St. Anthony at the Baths (La Vigna) in Rome solemnly celebrated the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua. It was an occasion to pray, reflect, and strengthen fraternal bonds in the community. For some members of the community, it marked the conclusion of the academic year.
The celebration began with morning Mass presided over by the Guardian, Friar Germano TOGNETTI. The sisters who live in a separate part of the friary also attended. In his homily, Friar Naim TOUMA, a deacon, talked about St. Anthony, and exhorted the friars to emulate the “Evangelical Doctor” so that their lives may proclaim the Gospel of Christ.
The day concluded with the recitation of Evening Prayer and the blessing of St. Anthony’s Bread. Finally, the friars enjoyed some fraternal time together and dinner.
The event was also an occasion to acknowledge the friars who were concluding their studies this year, namely, Friars Timothy Nuzagl KUUPINE; Isaac Yaw FRIMPONG; Felix Nana Kwame AGYAPONG; and César ORTÍZ GONZÁLEZ.
This year’s celebration was made even more special because it took place during the Jubilee Year of the Church and the 203rd General Chapter of the Order. Those attending included His Eminence Cardinal Mauro GAMBETTI; the new Vicar General, Friar Igor SALMIČ; the former Vicar General, Friar Jan MACIEJOWSKI; some Capitulars; and some members of the other General Houses in Rome: (the General Curia, the Seraphicum College and the College of Vatican Penitentiaries), along with some friends of the friars. The participants came from many different countries and all of them were very content with this fraternal event.
To our confreres who are concluding their studies this year, we wish the protection and wisdom that enlightened St. Anthony.
Friar Gregory Abangiba AMORE
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