On 27 January, the International day to Commemorate the Victims of the Holocaust, instituted in 2005 by the General Assembly of the United Nations to mark their liberation from Auschwitz concentration camp, the friars of the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua remember their fellow friar, the Venerable Placido Cortese (1907-1944), who was the director of the Messenger of Saint Anthony magazine.
The Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua will join in celebrating Sunday of the Word of God on 21 January. This initiative was spearheaded by Pope Francis in his effort to place the Holy Scriptures at the centre of life along with the Eucharist.
The celebration in the Basilica on Sunday 21 January at 11.00am will include a special ritual: the enthronement and the incensing of the Gospel. Moreover, during the whole celebration in the presbytery, the Gospel will remain exposed.
The "Week of Prayer for Christian Unity" takes place from 18 to 25 January. This year’s theme is based on Luke’s Gospel, “You shall love the Lord your God... and your neighbor as yourself" (Luke 10:27).
