Blessing and distribution of St Anthony’s bread
Bishop Mario Grech handing out St Anthony’s loaves to his parents Marija Stella and George. Photo: Charles Spiteri Gozo Bishop Mario Grech blessed and distributed St Anthony’s bread to the faithful on the feast of St Anthony of Padua celebrated at the...
[attach id="260564" size="medium"]Bishop Mario Grech handing out St Anthony’s loaves to his parents Marija Stella and George. Photo: Charles Spiteri[/attach]
Gozo Bishop Mario Grech blessed and distributed St Anthony’s bread to the faithful on the feast of St Anthony of Padua celebrated at the Franciscans’ church in Għajnsielem last Sunday.
St Anthony’s bread is a term used for offerings made in thanksgiving to God for blessings received through the intercession of St Anthony.
Various legends and stories account for the donation of what is called St Anthony’s bread. At least one account goes back to 1263, when it is said a child drowned near the basilica of St Anthony, which was still being built. His mother promised that if the child was returned to her alive she would give for the poor an amount of corn equal to the child’s weight. Her prayer and promise were rewarded with the boy’s return to life.