June 8, 2021

Local parish to hold special liturgies, veneration for St. Anthony feast day

REGIONAL
Story and photos by David Martin

SPRINGFIELD — Father George Zina, the pastor of St. Anthony Maronite Catholic Church in Springfield, is hopeful that many faithful from the community will come to the church celebrate the feast of St. Anthony on Sunday, June 13.

Father Zina said that June is the month of St. Anthony and he is thankful that restrictions due to the COVID-19 virus have been lifted recently in the state.

“Catholic and non-Catholic, they have a special devotion to St. Anthony,” he said. “This year is more special than any other. I urge everyone to put aside their fear; you are not going to get corona from God.

“I hope the people come to give thanksgiving and praise to St. Anthony on his feast day for the ending of the pandemic,” said Father Zina.

Since the feast day this year falls on a Sunday, the church will have a vigil Mass on Saturday, June 12 at 4:30 p.m., with exposition of the first class relic of St. Anthony that remains in the church. On Sunday, Masses will take place at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m., with an outdoor procession after the later liturgy. The church will also remain open until 2 p.m. for people to pray to St. Anthony.

Deacon Enzo DiGiacomo, who is assigned to the local parish, said St. Anthony has been worshiped by people of many different nationalities around the world who have made him their patron saint.

“His global appeal is based primarily on his history, his miracles, and his life story, and what he has done for people around the world over the last centuries,” said Deacon DiGiacomo.

Father George Zina, pastor, (left) and Deacon Enzo…., pose in front of the altar at St. Anthony Maronite Catholic Church in Springfield.

Father Zina said he has experienced miracles performed by St. Anthony since coming to the church as a pastor. Some parishioners had been diagnosed with cancer without much hope for a cure. He convinced them to pray tor St. Anthony. Father Zina brought the relic to the hospital and to their home. He said they were miraculously healed.

Father Zina said one of the biggest miracles at St. Anthony Church was a decade ago when the tornado hit Springfield. The church was in the direct path of destruction, but the tornado turned away and left the property undamaged. Father Zina said the church offers a daily Mass at 12 p.m. and a liturgy for St. Anthony every Tuesday, which is a tradition since St. Anthony performed his first miracle on the first Tuesday after his death.

Father Zina said one couple even traveled from Rhode Island to attend on a Tuesday, praying the novena to St. Anthony and viewing the relic.

“This is the beauty, you do not have to travel to Italy and you can come to this church that is dedicated to St. Anthony. You have a piece of his body present in front of you, you can see it, touch it, and pray to him,” said Father Zina.

Father Zina said St. Anthony is the only saint to be depicted holding the infant Jesus, other than St. Joseph, so he is a very popular saint for people to pray to because of his connection to Christ.