Servant of God Father Paul Wattson, SA, expressed a great devotion to St. Anthony of Padua throughout his life. A fellow Franciscan, St. Anthony is held in high regard by the Society of the Atonement, and the Friars pay tribute to him in many ways.
For instance, St. Anthony’s Shrine is a key landmark at Graymoor. Completed in 1960, the shrine commemorated the 20th anniversary of Father Paul entering into Eternal Life. Its majestic statue of St. Anthony is among many places across the Holy Mountain where the patron saint of loss and recovery can be venerated.
The Friars honor St. Anthony each June with a celebration at Graymoor, where thousands flock to for a day of pilgrimage and prayer. And on Sunday, June 11, the Friars will hold their annual celebration of the saint known as “the wonder worker.”
Festivities include two celebrations of Mass, one of which is a worship service said in Creole. Confession hearings, prayers and a Benediction at St. Anthony’s Shrine will also take place.
“Seeing the devotion of the people to the Eucharist during Mass and Adoration and Benediction is the best part of this celebration,” said Deacon Tom Rich, TSA, the Friars Vocation Director and the Executive Director of the Holy Mountain Retreat Center. “Also, the fact that people from different nationalities, who speak different languages can all come together to celebrate in unity.”
The day will begin with the regularly scheduled 11 a.m. Mass celebrated by Father Dan Callahan, SA, at Our Lady of the Atonement Chapel. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will then be offered from 12:30 p.m. until 1:15 p.m. at Our Lady of the Atonement Chapel, with multiple confession stations available.
After, a 1:30 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Atonement Chapel in Creole. Immediately following, there will be a procession with the Blessed Sacrament to St. Anthony’s Shrine for prayers and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
All those attending are invited to visit the shrines and chapels of Graymoor. The picnic tables near the ballfield also will be available for use.
There will be candles for sale near the Saint Anthony’s Grotto next to Our Lady of the Atonement Chapel, and water will also be sold.
Visitors are also encouraged to shop at the Graymoor Book and Gift Center, which will be open and will have a table set up on the grounds. The Book and Gift Center offers countless religious books and items for sale, including St. Anthony medals and statues, cards, crosses, rosaries and much more.
Friars will be on hand and available to offer blessings, and will be present to bless any religious items visitors might bring. Food trucks will be on site and water will be available for purchase.
Join the Friars at Graymoor for a Day of Prayer and Pilgrimage in Honor of Saint Anthony of Padua
11 a.m.: Mass at Our Lady of the Atonement Chapel with Father Dan Callahan, SA
12:30 p.m.: Sacrament of Reconciliation at Our Lady of the of the Atonement Chapel
1:30 p.m.: Creole Mass at Our Lady of the Atonement Chapel
Immediately following the Creole Mass, there will be a Procession with Blessed Sacrament to St. Anthony’s Shrine for prayers, and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
While you’re at Graymoor, be sure to visit the Book and Gift Center, which will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the Thrift Store, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.