St. Anthony's Bread-June 14, 2026

On Saturday, June 13 is celebrated as the Memorial of St. Anthony of Padua. On this day there is a distribution of St. Anthony’s Bread which is a Catholic devotion and charitable act honoring St. Anthony of Padua, rooted in a 13th‑century miracle and later popularized in the 19th century. It combines prayer, thanksgiving, and almsgiving to help the poor.

The tradition dates back to 1263, when a child drowned near the Basilica of St. Anthony in Padua. The child’s mother prayed to the saint for help, promising to give the poor an amount of grain equal to her child’s weight if the miracle occurred. The child was restored to life, and the mother kept her promise, founding the practice of giving alms in gratitude.

A later, well‑known story comes from 1888 in Toulon, France. Baker Louise Bouffier could not open her shop door, and a locksmith said he’d have to break it in. She prayed to St. Anthony, promising to give some of her bread to the poor if the door opened without force. It did, and she kept her word. Friends soon adopted the custom of giving bread or other goods to the poor in thanksgiving for answered prayers.

St. Anthony’s Bread is both a spiritual act of thanksgiving and a charitable gesture. It reflects the Franciscan emphasis on almsgiving as a form of prayer and sacrifice. Devotees send small offerings (often bread, but sometimes money or goods) to help the poorest of the poor, in honor of St. Anthony’s intercession.

During next weekend masses, Holy Childhood of Jesus Parish will bless and distribute small loaves of bread to the faithful, and you are invited to bring a can or dry good to the church which will be distributed through the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Prayer for Blessing the Bread

Heavenly Father, we praise you and give you glory for the gift of bread, fruit of the earth, work of human hands and source of our daily nourishment. Bless this bread in honor of St. Anthony. Teach us to share all your gifts with the poor, the forsaken and the hungry. All praise be to you through Jesus Christ, our Saviour, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen 

St. Anthony’s Bread is more than a food item — it’s a living tradition of gratitude, charity, and faith. It connects the faithful to St. Anthony’s intercession, encourages generosity, and supports the poor, making it a meaningful part of Catholic devotion and community life.