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“Something strange is happening….” These are first words of an ancient Holy Saturday homily. I share them here because I love this homily that is recorded for us in the Office of Readings in Volume II of the Liturgy of the Hours. It’s worth reading. It imagines what actions Jesus was making on our behalf, and on behalf of all those who died prior to his death and Resurrection, as he appeared to lie lifeless in the tomb. He reaches all the way back to even Adam and Eve! I also share this with you because I sense “strange” is a fitting way to describe the whole Easter Season and our entire Catholic Christian lives in the eyes of our uncertain and worried world.
The people that we come to associate with, and the priorities that grow to become the focus of our lives once our personal encounter with the risen Jesus has led us to a deeper commitment to the Church and the Sacraments, will likely cause others to scratch their heads and exclaim: “Strange!” If that happens to you, rather than an insult, I’d take it as a compliment!
We do not grieve like some who sense no hope after the loss of a loved one. We no longer flee from the lepers in our lives but instead are led like St. Francis of Assisi by the sweetness of offering them compassion.
As Easter grows from that Sunday to the eight day Octave, to the 50 day Easter Season, let’s embrace the invitation from the Letter to the Ephesians 5:14: “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”
“Strange” might even be the word that comes out of your own mouth as you see how the Spirit-led life is taking shape within you – resulting from Jesus’ gift of resurrected life to you.
My advice, fasten your seat belts and hold on to Jesus and to one another tight!
Peace,
| | Friar Gary Johnson, OFM Conv. | | Thank you to all who joined us for the Triduum and Easter! | | |
Holy Thursday
Thursday, April 2
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Outdoor Stations of the Cross
Friday, April 3
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Veneration of the Cross
Friday, April 3
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Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 4
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Easter Vigil
Saturday, April 4
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Sunrise Mass, Easter Morning
Sunday, April 5
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Join us for Divine Mercy Sunday
At the conclusion of the Octave of Easter we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday. All are welcome to join us for the 12 p.m. Mass followed by time for Adoration and Confession. The Divine Mercy Chaplet will be prayed at the 3 p.m.
| | | | EWTN Explores the Life and Sacrifice of St. Maximilian Kolbe | | |
Friar James McCurry, OFM Conv., was recently interviewed by EWTN about St. Maximilian Kolbe, OFM Conv. Friar James has served as Minister Provincial of Our Lady of the Angels Province (the Shrine is a ministry of the Province) and was instrumental in advocating for the canonization of the 20th Century saint and played a special role in the canonization Mass. Watch his interview with EWTN here.
Our open air Shrine to St. Maximilian Kolbe is open daily from dawn to dusk. Located next to the Grotto to Our Lady, consider praying a rosary on your next visit to this beautiful landmark.
| | Introducing: A Pilgrimage Passport | | |
Looking to make a pilgrimage to the Shrine and not sure where to start? Download our new Pilgrimage Passport, or pick one up inside the front entrance on your next (or first) visit to the Shrine.
Download Passport
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Spring Plant Sale
The Little Portion Farm Plant Sale is underway! Head down to the farm on Saturdays (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) and Sundays (12 p.m. – 2 p.m.) to pick up veggies, fruits, herbs, and flowers for your home garden. The plant sale is open until Saturday, May 23.
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Bible Studies and Workshops
Friar talks in the Glassroom are livestreamed and saved on the Companions of St. Anthony YouTube channel. Subscribe today and never miss a new video.
To view and register for upcoming talks, please click here. Of note, this month we're offering:
The Resurrection Accounts
Hosted by Friar Jude Winkler, OFM Conv., this is a follow up to a prior session on the Passion Accounts.
Saturday, April 11 from 9:30 a.m.— 11:30 a.m.
The Peace Prayer, Explained
Hosted by Friar Douglas McMillan, OFM Conv., this session will the famous "Make me an instrument of your peace" prayer and explore how we apply this prayer to our lives today.
Wednesday, April 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Free will offerings accepted.
All gifts support future programming at the Shrine of St. Anthony.
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If you'd like to watch prior talks given in the Glassroom, they can be found on the Companions of St. Anthony YouTube page. Recent workshops include:
Watch: Pathways to Contemplation, Six Week Course
Friar Terence Bateman, OFM Conv.
This workshop concluded before Easter. You can watch every session online on the Companions of St. Anthony YouTube channel.
Watch Here
Watch: Heaven, Hell and Plenary Indulgences
Friar Jude Winkler, OFM Conv.
This workshop helps breakdown what plenary indulgences are and may be helpful to those seeking plenary indulgence during this Jubilee Year.
Watch Here
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New Items in the Shrine Gift Shop
Shop local this Spring and support the Shrine for all your gift giving needs.
Stop by the Shrine Gift Shop to browse a large selection of gifts for Baptisms, First Communion, and Confirmation celebrations.
The Gift Shop will be closed Monday, April 6.
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Feast of Bl. Giles of Assisi
Thursday, April 23
Join Friar Gary Johnson, OFM Conv., and Little Portion Farm staff and volunteers for a special blessing of the farm in honor of Bl. Giles of Assisi, a contemporary of St. Francis and patron of the farm. All are welcome to attend Mass in the Shrine Chapel at 12 p.m. and then the blessing at 1 p.m. down on Little Portion Farm. Light refreshments will be served.
| | | | This Pilgrimage of Hope, centered on the life and ministry of St. Anthony of Padua, will also be offered on Tuesday, June 9. Pilgrims are reminded to bring a bagged lunch and be prepared for some of the day to be spent outside (weather permitting). | | |
Our 2026 St. Anthony Festival will feature a 7 p.m. Vespers in the Shrine Chapel on Friday, June 12 (ice cream social to follow). On Saturday, June 13, we will feature two guest lectures by Laura Kelly Fanucci, an award-winning speaker and author and contributor to the Hallow App. The day will also include time for Adoration and Confession, kids’ activities, food trucks, ministry exhibits and more! Stay tuned for more information!
To keep this festival free for the public, we are seeking sponsors for the 2026 festival. To explore sponsorship options, please click here. If you have any questions, email anna.jones@olaprovince.org.
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Curious About the Companions?
Since the founding of the Franciscan Order more than 800 years ago, Franciscans have always ministered to and with lay people in their community. Whether it is with their prayers, their volunteer assistance, or their financial support, laity have been invaluable to the work of the friars wherever they minister.
Learn More
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Open Tours of Carrollton Hall
Carrollton Hall, an historic site on the grounds of the Shrine, tells the inclusive history of all the people who have inhabited our site. Monthly tours will be available after the Noon Mass.
Tours are limited to 20. Please reserve your space at the links below.
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Volunteers Welcome
Volunteers work on Little Portion Farm all year round to plant and harvest food for people in need. Volunteer shifts include times in the morning, Thursday evenings, and Saturdays.
Learn More
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It's Year of St. Francis!
Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed the Jubilee Year of St. Francis, a special Holy Year of grace (Jan. 10, 2026 to Jan. 10, 2027). This year's Jubilee is in recognition of the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi's death, and his powerful witness to living the Gospel that is still relevant today. The Shrine of St. Anthony is a Pilgrimage site where visitors may experience spiritual renewal and seek plenary indulgence. We welcome all hopeful pilgrims from near and far to visit the chapel and grounds throughout the year. Learn more ...
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Follow along for more
Every week, we'll be sharing short anecdotes like this from St. Francis's life and ministry that relate to the Sunday Gospel. Tuesdays will similarly be dedicated to St. Anthony. Follow us on our social channels for more!
Facebook
Instagram
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Daily Reflections with Friar Jude Winkler, OFM Conv.
Friar Jude offers food for thought every day on his daily podcast, available on Soundcloud. Click the link below to listen and subscribe.
Daily Reflections with Friar Jude
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Franciscan Soy Candles Handcrafted at the Shrine of St. Anthony
Custom labels
Dozens of fragrances
Bulk orders available
12 oz and 6 oz sizes
Ship anywhere in the U.S.
Order Today
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Discerning?
For more information about vocations and discerning life as a Franciscan Friar Conventual, please get in touch.
Learn More
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The Franciscan Friars Conventual have owned, lived, and ministered on this 236 acres of land in scenic Howard County, Maryland since 1928. What once was a private novitiate for friars in formation, is now a thriving campus of activity, with opportunities for visitors to find space for contemplation, reconciliation, companionship, service, and renewal.
The ministries of the friars in Ellicott City, including the Shrine, are embodiments of Franciscan values, as the friars live in and serve the community through evangelization and corporal works of mercy.
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