During this Christmastide let us remember that the Child Jesus is the center of our devotion and life not just the trappings of a supposed traditional Christmas. Let us remind ourselves how St. Anthony carries the Child Jesus everyday. He carries him to remind us that Christmas is not just one day but it is every day of the year.He carries him to remind us that Jesus is to be the center of our life. Let us spend this time in prayer and hope that Jesus will be the center of our life and imitate our dear Saint Anthony holding Jesus close to our hearts at all times. The Child Jesus is the center of Christmas and the Child Jesus should be always present to us everyday. St Anthony of Padua pray for us!

Wow! St Anthony's Day is also the memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. I am sure St. Anthony is so happy since his love for Mary is well known. Of his sermons still in exisitance his praise of Mary survives. St. Anthony is also the patron of Portugal and Our Lady appeared to the children of Fatima on St. Anthony's Day in 1917. The children had to skip the St. Anthony's day festivities in order to meet with Our Lady. I am sure St. Anthony would not mind us skipping anything to honor him in order to honor her to whom the Franciscan Order is dedicated. The San Antonio Mission in Jolon California is having their annual fiesta on the 14th of June this year. I hope you can make it. The Mass starts at 11:00am and the festivities follow. Go and donate to save the Mission. If you can't make it at least send a donation to the address below in honor of St. Anthony's Bread. God bless you all and happy feasts of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Anthony of Padua. St.Anthony's Bread c/o Mission San Antonio de Padua P.. Box 803 (End of Mission Road) Jolon, CA 93928 Phone - 831-385-4478