Saint Anthony’s path “Gospel and Charity”

Editorial Staff

Camposampiero is a little town in the province of Padua, located approximately 20 kilometres from the city centre. It was here that St. Anthony, as a guest of Count Tiso, spent the last month of his life (in spring 1231), seriously ill and devoting himself to prayer and regaining strength. Two churches are linked with the memory of the Saint: the small 15th century Sanctuary of the Noce (of the walnut three) located near the place where Anthony had a small shelter built on a tree, which became a pulpit for his sermons as the number of faithful increased; and the Sanctuary of the Vision, which contains the Cell of the Vision where, passing by, count Tiso saw Anthony holding the little Jesus in his arms.

The 200 metres leading from the Sanctuary of the Vision to the small Sanctuary of the Noce are embellished with walnut and lime trees. During the Jubilee of 2000, this path was transformed into a spiritual and meditative walk called the St. Anthony’s Path “Gospel and Charity”. Six bronze sculptures have been placed along the path to offer visitors food for thought about the Saint’s life and work, and his profound relationship with Christ in accordance with the Gospel.

The six bronze sculptures

The Vision: testifying to the extraordinary event of the appearance of the Baby Jesus to St. Anthony. The sculpture depicts Mary handing Jesus to the Saint while Count Tiso secretly spies on the scene from a side window of an unadorned house.

The Forgiveness: depicts Mary Magdalene perfuming Jesus’s feet, symbolizing the gift of reconciliation. Saint Anthony, a great preacher of God’s mercy, leads a poor man to Jesus, who welcomes him readily. Jesus places his hand on the Saint’s chest at the same time, confirming him as an apostle and minister of God’s forgiveness.

The Eucharist: shows Jesus washing the feet of the surprised Apostle Peter while Saint Anthony repeats the gesture of the Last Supper by breaking bread. Jesus’ mantel envelops all the elements becoming both a basin for washing feet and a table for the Eucharistic sacrifice.

The Prayer: the painting shows Saint Anthony kneeling and contemplating the sufferings of Jesus in Gethsemane. Two trees rise in the background: an olive tree, indicating the Garden of Gethsemane, and a walnut tree, indicating the place where the saint rested in Camposampiero. The Crucifix, a symbol of life and hope, appears between the branches, a sign of life and hope.

The Transit: depicts the last moments of St. Anthony’s life. He lies on the ground, assisted by a friar, and sees the luminous figure of the risen Christ before him. His participation in the Paschal Mystery is emphasized by his right hand grasping a corner of the risen one’s shroud.

The Charisms - gifts of the Spirit: are represented by a dove, a symbol of the Spirit, which bursts forth from above and envelops the Gospel, which is placed above a living fire. Several Franciscan figures stand out in the pages of the Gospel: St. Francis (whose 800th death anniversary is being celebrated), St. Clare, St. Anthony, and his faithful companion, Luca Belludi; St. Maximilian Kolbe; and the Venerable Fra Girolamo Biasi (who is buried in Camposampiero).

Romeo Sandrin, an art teacher and talented artist (from Fratte di Santa Giustina in Colle, Padua) is the author of the entire bronze work. He has attracted the attention of critics and the public through exhibitions and competitions at the national level, as well as important works located throughout the Peninsula. Courtesy of the use of Santuari Antoniani di Camposampiero (Padova). Ph. Giorgio Boato.