As we begin this nine-week novena to St. Anthony today, let us first give thanks to God for all of the gifts he has given us.

Fr. Henry Beck, OFM

It is so good to gather with gratitude as we join together as a community of “pray-ers” to begin our St. Anthony Novena. When I experience the limits in my own life, I come back to this gift and virtue of gratitude. I then take time to fully receive all of the graces with which God is surrounding me and my loved ones. I believe this is at the heart of our journeying with St. Anthony. We ask for graces we and our loved ones need, but we also take time to give thanks for God’s tender and unconditional care for us, our human family, and all of creation. Peace and joy as we begin this novena journey together!

Fr. Henry Beck, OFM, serves at the St. Francis Retreat House in Easton, Pa.

Pray the Novena to St. Anthony of Padua here.

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