A pickup truck, with a statue of St. Anthony of Padua in the back, is driven through streets in the Travis neighborhood on the saint’s feast, June 13. Father John Wroblewski, pastor of Our Lady of Pity and St. Anthony of Padua parish, gives blessings from the front passenger seat. Behind him is Deacon Joseph Rentkowski, who serves the parish. The driver is Frank Marchese, parish manager and director of religious education.
Mary DiBiase Blaich
Parishioner Virginia Corrente waves a white cloth as the procession passed. Her ancestors were among the group of founders at St. Anthony of Padua parish
Mary DiBiase Blaich
Father Wroblewski celebrated the Vigil Mass before the procession. Lector Helen Keiling is at left. Frank Marchese, at right in center aisle, streamed the liturgy onto Facebook.
Mary DiBiase Blaich
Items used in this year’s procession were displayed on a table in the vestibule. A sign of the times of the coronavirus pandemic included face masks, as well as holy water, prayer cards and straight pins to pin money onto the statue’s stole.
Mary DiBiase Blaich
The pastor, framed by statues of St. Anthony, recites prayer to the patron before Mass.
Mary DiBiase Blaich
Posted
A virtual Vigil Mass in honor of St. Anthony of Padua was celebrated on the saint’s feast, June 13, at St. Anthony of Padua Church on Staten Island by Father John J. Wroblewski, pastor of Our Lady of Pity and St. Anthony of Padua parish. After Mass, a statue of St. Anthony, placed in the back of a pickup truck, was driven in procession to adhere to social distancing protocols. Parishioners, who traditionally march behind the statue, greeted the procession by waving a white cloth. Father Wroblews- ki blessed the faithful, who were given St. Anthony of Padua prayer cards.
