Mass Honors Saint Anthony, Franciscan and Doctor

​"Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak. We are full of words but empty of actions, and therefore are cursed by the Lord, since he himself cursed the fig tree when he found no fruit but only leaves." 

On Tuesday, June 13, St. Gregory's Hall hosted a special choral Mass for the Memorial of St. Anthony of Padua, 13th century Franciscan and Doctor of the Church.

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The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Alejandro Lopez, OFM Conv., pastor of Mary, Mother of God Parish and featured a mass setting by Orlande de Lassus with St. Gregory's Schola under the direction of Kevin Allen. Mass concluded with the traditional Franciscan blessing of St. Anthony's bread.
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Born into a prominent family in Lisbon, St. Anthony was inspired by the witness of Franciscan missionary martyrs to follow St. Francis and became known for his gift of preaching. He well-known for being the patron of lost or stolen articles. 

The choir sang a beautiful sacred motet, "O Sydus Hyspaniae" by Renaissance composer Costanzo Porta for communion:

O Sydus Hyspaniae, Gemma paupertatis,
Antoni par Scytiae forma puritatis,
Tu lumen Italiae Doctor veritatis.
Tu Sol nitens Paduae, signis claritatis. Amen.

O star of Spain, Gem of poverty,
Anthony of Scythia, form of purity,
You are the light of Italy, Doctor of truth.
You are the shining Sun of Padua,
​the standard of clarity. Amen.

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St. Gregory's Hall · Mass for the Memorial of St. Anthony of Padua

Photos courtesy of William Benjamin Photography.