Thirteen Fridays in Honor of St. Francis of Paola

Friday January 3rd 2014 to Friday, March 28th 2014 at 7:00 p.m. in our Chapel Wednesday, April 2nd 2014 Mass and Reception to Follow

St. Francis was born in the tiny village of Paola, Italy. *(His image in stained glass can be viewed above the altar of Saint Anthony’s Church.) Paola is located near the Tyrrhenian Sea, in Calabria, and is midway between Naples and Reggio, Italy. His parents, Giacomo and Vienna d’Alessio, were remarkable for the holiness of their lives. Remaining childless for some years after their marriage they had recourse to prayer, especially commending themselves to the intercession of St. Francis of Assisi. Three children were eventually born to them, the eldest of whom was Francis. Saint Francis of Paola was born on March 27, 1416 and died on Good Friday, April 2, 1507. His parents attributed his birth to the intercession of St. Francis of Assisi.

From the beginning, Francis was a famous wonder worker on behalf of the poor and oppressed. He used common objects to work miracles so that everyone understood that it was God who really restored health or solved problems. Francis of Paola himself started the 13 Fridays devotion in honor of Jesus and his twelve disciples. Francis chose Friday to honor the passion of Jesus. It was after the death of Francis that the Order of Minims changed the 13 Fridays devotion in honor of Francis of Paola.

Join us for the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the Monastic Format; Prayer attributed to the 13 Fridays, the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the reposing of the Blessed Sacrament. On Wednesday, April 2nd 2013 at 7:00 p.m. we will celebrate Francis’ feast day with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass followed by a reception in our church hall. All are invited to join us in celebrating God the Father through this great miracle worker, Saint Francis of Paola.