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Masses will be celebrated at noon and at 6 p.m. at the parish, opening and closing the visit of the relics.
Why to go: In 1263, St. Bonaventure discovered the remains of St. Anthony of Padua.
The Franciscan Friars, OFM, of the Pontifical Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua, in Padua, Italy, have allowed a U.S. tour of the saint’s relics with stops in Illinois and Wisconsin. The Messenger of St. Anthony magazine organized the tour.
One relic, part of a gold-plated bust of St. Anthony, designed and created by Italian artisans for these special visits in America, will be placed on a stand near the altar to allow people to see it at close range, and even to touch it. It consists of layers of skin of our beloved saint.
The other relic is one of St. Anthony’s floating ribs. It is kept in a reliquary which will be placed on the altar.
Accessibility: St. Anthony’s front entrance has several steps, but there is parking and an entrance for the handicapped on the Kent Street side of the church.
Ammenities: Il Santo gift shop will be open during the relic visit. The shop is in the parish hall in the church basement.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Children are more than welcome to visit the relic and say prayers with the adults who will be there.
Info: About the relics — Address: The Franciscan Friars of the Anthonian Association and the Messenger of St Anthony 52-29 83rd St, Elmhurst, NY 11373. Phone: 347/738-4306. Web: http://www.saintanthonyofpadua.net. About the host church — Address: St. Anthony of Padua Parish, 1010 Ferguson St., Rockford, IL 61102. Phone: 815/965-2761. Web: www.stanthonyrockford.org
- Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org
Editor's note: The relics have moved on from Rockford. Check the Franciscans' website about other exhibit sites. St. Anthony of Padua Parish, however, is happy to welcome visitors.
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org