On December 23, 2019, the “pilgrimage” of the relics of St. Anthony of Padua across Lithuania was completed.

The last two stops for the relics were the cities of Vilnius and Kaunas. Vilnius is the nation’s capital and has over 500,000 inhabitants. In Vilnius, Friars Egidio CANIL and Daniel FECHETĂ were hosted by the Friars Minor who are referred to as the “Bernardines” here. Friars Egidio and Daniel also met with our confreres from the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Friary. The relics were venerated by a large number of faithful, beyond all expectations. Lithuania’s Radio Maria followed the pilgrimage closely, as did the national media.
Kaunas has nearly 400,000 inhabitants. The relics were kept in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. His Eminence, Sigitas Cardinal TAMKEVIČIUS, S.J., Archbishop Emeritus of Kaunas, Lithuania, also attended the celebrations. Everyone was amazed and surprised by the great number of devotees who visited. Indeed, it was St. Anthony of Padua who prepared the Lithuanian faithful for the coming of the Lord this Christmas.

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