After an exciting day exploring Venice, I purchased several day passes for the water bus system. The next morning, I left the hotel at 7:30am and walked to the nearest water bus dock. 

I had a list of things I wanted to see but after nine miles of walking the day before, I decided to narrow the sightseeing to two main sites – the Basilica di Sant Antonio and the Prato dell Valle.

From the train station in Padua, it was a 25-minute walk to the basilica.  It was a beautiful day and lots of great things to see.

Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, my parish was run by the Franciscan priests.  It brought back fond memories to see the priests in their brown hooded robes. 

Once again, beauty was displayed in each corner of the basilica.

What an amazing structure. 

Saint Anthony was born in Portugal and was a friar of the Franciscan Order.  He was a powerful preacher and an expert in the knowledge of scripture with an undying love and devotion to the poor and sick.  Saint Anthony was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius XII in 1946.  Saint Anthony is the patron saint of sailors, fishermen, priests, and travelers.  He is also our go to saint when things are lost.  His feast day is June 13.

As I placed my hand in prayer on the tomb of Saint Anthony, I thought about all the things I had lost and then found in my lifetime, but more important, how I was lost and how far I have come on this road of life.  It is comforting to have Saint Anthony pray for us as we move through life and sometimes lose our way.  Thank you, Saint Anthony! 

Saint Anthony of Padua – pray for us!

Down another corridor of the basilica, I entered the Chapel of the Relics. 

As I was admiring the beautiful pieces in the Chapel, I heard a bell ring signifying the start of Mass.  Going to Mass in the Basilica of Saint Anthony was a perfect way to spend time in beautiful Padua, Italy.

After touring the basilica, I headed to the largest square in Italy – the Prato della Valle. 

I then had a nice Italian lunch in a restaurant near the basilica that included eggplant and zucchini and of course, tiramisu for dessert!

Stay tuned for more blogs. 

There is so much more on this trip to share!

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