On December 14-23, 2019, Friar Egidio CANIL of the Italian Province of St. Anthony of Padua (Northern Italy) and the Province of St. Joseph, Spouse of the B.V.M. in Romania, conducted a “pilgrimage” of the relics of St. Anthony of Padua across Lithuania.
The relics were accepted by the Most Reverend Kęstutis KĖVALAS, Bishop of Telšiai, Lithuania, and enshrined in the cathedral there which is dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua. The relics visited the cities of Plungė, Rietavas, Kretinga, Klaipėda, Marijampolė, Vilnius and Kaunas.
The bishop requested the relics to celebrate the conclusion of the restoration work done on the cathedral in Telšiai as well as on the Saint’s miraculous icon. The cathedral fosters a great devotion to St. Anthony; the Saint is venerated here every Tuesday of the year. St. Anthony is also the patron saint of the city.
The faithful are always warmly welcomed at these celebrations and participate in large numbers. Many also go to confession.
A book on the life of the Friar-Saint Vergilio GAMBOSO had been translated into Lithuanian for the occasion and was very well-received.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that the local Churches welcomed the pilgrimage as part of their preparation for Christmas.
St. Anthony continues his travels on the road, even in our time, bringing the Gospel to all creatures.
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