A story that never grows old

Fr. Livio Tonello, director

2026 is an important year for the Universal Association of St. Anthony, marking the beginning of a new year in the name of St. Anthony. Firstly, we commemorate the 80th anniversary of his proclamation as “Doctor of the Church”. On 16 January 1946, Pope Pius XII officially recognised him as a Doctor of the Church, although his reputation as a teacher dates back to the beginning of his religious life. St. Francis himself whose 800(th) anniversary of death occurs this year sent him to teach sacred scripture and theology to his brothers at the convent in Bologna. It was the fortunate circumstance of his first sermon in Forlì that brought him to the attention of the people. But above all, it was his profound knowledge of the Bible that enabled him to share the word at a time when there was not much education. Iconography depicting him with the Gospel in his hand reminds us of the charisma for which he is known.

Alongside this event, we should also commemorate the anniversary of the foundation of our Association. For 140 years, it has promoted the devotion to the Saint and carried out charitable works in his name for the benefit of the most vulnerable and marginalised. Founded in 1886 by the Paduan priest Don Antonio Locatelli, it has spread throughout the world, diffusing the words and figure of the Saint of Padua. 2026 promises to be a special year that we will celebrate with everyone who loves, supports and spreads Antonian spirituality, and shares its charitable purposes. Even more significantly, it marks the beginning of a three-year period as other anniversaries linked to the 140(th) anniversary will follow in quick succession: the launch of the charity work “Bread for the Poor” in 1887 and the magazine ‘The Saint of Miracles” in 1888. The coming years will be ones of renewal and development for the Association, with new projects to be announced in the months ahead. Let us walk together along the path of this new year, full of inspiration and under the wing of St. Anthony, whom we will find in the pages of the calendar inviting us to move forward “On the Path of Saint Anthony”. Happy New Year!