Relics of St Anthony coming to Derry

Derry is one of only eight locations across Ireland where people will be able to visit the relics, with thousands expected to visit.

The relics of the 13th Century Franciscan Friar and Patron Saint of Lost Things will be brought to St Eugene’s Cathedral on June 15 and 16.

CatholicNews.ie has reported that the last time the relics were brought to Ireland “there were traffic jams in cities and towns around the country”.

The relics will be exposed during Eucharistic Celebrations at the Cathedral, and at the end of each Mass.

Everyone in attendance will be invited to approach the relics and to receive a blessing.

Pope Francis has a special adoration for St Anthony and his concern for the well being of those living in poverty and on the fringes of society.

Many people across the north west have a strong devotion to St Anthony, traditionally believed to help find something that is lost.

The relics will be accompanied by Father Mario Conte.

The other locations were the relics will be displayed are Knock, Dublin, Tipperary, Killarney, Sligo, Longford and Armagh.

St Anthony was born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1195 and was among of the first wave of monks ordained into the Order of St Francis.

His remains were buried at Sancta Maria Mater Domini Church in Padua, and moved in 1263 to the Basilica in Padua, which exists to this day.