June 13 marks a great Feast in the Church and also of all the Rogationists in particular.
June 13 is the Solemnity of the prime patron of the Congregation, ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA. He is known by the Founder of the Rogationists and Daughters of Divine Zeal as the Great Celestial Benefactor of the Congregation. He was proclaimed by St. Hannibal Mary Di Francia as Celestial Benefactor in 1907. He was known in the congregation as the "Miracle Worker" who interceeds the congregations temporal needs.
The Anthonian Institute celebrated the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua in the community together with some Filipinos who partake the celebration. Fr. Herbie, the superior of the house presided the mass at 6:30 in the evening. Fr. Herbie during the celebration and in his homily focused his sharing on the history of the congregation with this devotion of St. Anthony especially the "Bread of St. Anthony." He related to the people how St. Anthony bacame the Prime Patron of the Congregation. It was because of the encounter of St. Hannibal Mary Di Francia on nothingness and yet was able to obtain yet through prayer and intercession of St. Anthony of Padua. He also made a quick sharing on the different themes of the Novena that serves as guide in their reflection of the Feast of St. Anthony. It was also concelebrated by Fr. Miguel and Fr. Tirso.
After the celebration, there was the blessing of the Bread of St. Anthony and the giving of the Stampitas and prayer to those who attended the celebration. It was followed by a sharing of food for all. It was a beautiful celebration that made everyone satisfied with spiritual and bodily nourishment.