BOSTON -- The 90th Anniversary of Boston’s Feast of St. Anthony, held last weekend in Boston’s North End, was highlighted by the visitation of the blessed relics of St. Anthony from the Basilica Di Sant’ Antonio in Padua, Italy. The weekend-long event was marked by a Mass, parades, and outdoor celebrations.

“Since 1919, St. Anthony’s Feast has celebrated the true spirit of the North End and the devotion of the neighborhood’s Italian immigrants to St. Anthony of Padua,” said Anthony DiStefano, President of the St. Anthony Society.

Festivities included a Friday, August 28 parade by the members of the St. Anthony Society to the Peace Garden of St. Leonard of Port Maurice Church on Hanover Street to greet Archbishop Francesco Giola, the Pontifical Delegate to the Basilica di Sant’ Antonio and Father Dominico Carminatti, Director Emeritus of the Basilica. Exposition and blessing of the statue followed the parade.

The following day, an afternoon public viewing and veneration of the relics was held at the outdoor Chapel of St. Anthony, on Endicott Street, followed by an outdoor Mass in the evening. The Mass concluded with an individual blessing with the holy relic followed by distribution of blessed St. Anthony bread.

Sunday’s Grand Procession of St. Anthony featured marching bands, drum and bugle corps, Italian street bands, strolling singers, and color guards.