After a successful visit to the New York metropolitan area and New Jersey this past February, two important relics of St. Anthony of Padua are returning to the United States for an eight-day tour of Southern California. The event, organized by the Messenger of St. Anthony magazine directed by the Franciscan Friars of the Basilica of St. Anthony in Padua, Italy, marks the 750th anniversary of the discovery of the Saint’s incorrupt tongue by St. Bonaventure.

St. Anthony died in 1231, and was buried in a little church outside the walls of the town of Padua. In 1263 his remains were transferred to the newly constructed Basilica. Present at this ceremony was St. Bonaventure in his capacity as Minister General of the Friars Minor.

When St. Anthony’s coffin was opened, and it was found to contain only bones and ashes, with one exception: the Saint’s vocal apparatus was found to be intact, and in particular his tongue was still red and soft.

At the sight of this miracle, St. Bonaventure exclaimed in awe: “Oh blessed tongue, that ever praised the Lord, and led others to praise Him! Now it is clear how great are your merits before God!”

The tour, which starts on Sunday, April 14 in San Diego and ends on Sunday 21 in Gardena, will be a great occasion to reflect upon one of the most popular saints in Christendom, venerated by millions of people all over the world.

The following Eucharistic and veneration services will be celebrated:

April 14 Good Shepherd Parish 12:15 PM Eucharistic Celebration and Veneration
8200 Gold Coast Drive, San Diego, CA 92126

April 15 Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels 11:00 AM Veneration and 12:10 PM Mass
555 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90012

Holy Family Church, 6:30 PM Eucharistic Celebration and Veneration
18708 Clarkdale Avenue, Artesia, CA 90701

April 16 St. Peter’s Italian Church 6:00 PM Eucharistic Celebration and Veneration
1039 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

April 17 St. Barbara Parish 7:00 PM Eucharistic Celebration and Veneration
2201 Laguna St., Santa Barbara, CA 93105

April 18 American Martyrs Church 5:00 PM Eucharistic Celebration and Veneration
624 15th St., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

April 19 St. Francis of Assisi Church, 11 AM Eucharistic Celebration and Veneration
1048 West Ventura St., Fillmore, CA 93016

St. Francis Korean Catholic Church 7:30 PM Eucharistic Celebration and Veneration
2040 Artesia Blvd., Torrance, CA 90504

April 20 St. Anthony Catholic Church, 12 PM Eucharistic Celebration and Veneration
720 East Grand Avenue, El Segundo, CA 90245

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church 5:00 PM Vigil Mass and Veneration
244 Prospect Avenue, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

April 21 St. Anthony of Padua Church 11:00 AM Eucharistic Celebration and Veneration
1050 West 163rd St., Gardena, CA 90247