To Preserve the Franciscans, Culture, and Traditions of St. Anthony of Padua Parish

SAVE OUR O.F.M. Conv. Fransiscan Friars of St. Bonaventure Province. This is the heart of our church and it is our responsibility to make sure that no other Priests will enter the doors of this magnificent church which was built by the blood, sweat and tears of many of our grandfathers and fathers alike. Hold your head up high and sign everything in sight to keep our beloved Friars at St. Anthony Church. It is the heritage of the Italian people, be proud and stand strong and stay FORCEFUL and commited to our mission to keep our church free from greed and want. Marian Montana--fight the good fight as St. Paul said.

Please keep the Franciscan order clergy at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Rockford, Illinois.

Do the parish members get a vote or is this now a done deal? Options?

Hi, So Sorry About This . I Am Hoping For The Best

This Lutheran who attends and loves St Anthony of Padua Parish and the Italian people and their culture is very sad!

First the School and Gym. Now this. Tearing the heart out of Saint Anthony church!

Please preserve this church is it is a big part of the community.

Keep father Jim and preserve the Franciscan order at St Anthony!

My late husband’s family have been members of this parish since it opened. It has been a source of faith and comfort to our family for generations. My son and his wife were married here and their son baptised here. I moved to Rockford after my husband’s death, and St Anthony’s has been a great source of comfort and loving faith for myself and my family. I will continue to attend this parish and support it as best I can financially and spiritually. I pray that the diocese will continue to support the rich traditions of this parish, not only of the Italian community but the growing Hispanic community as well. We all have very strong faith and love for this parish. We are praying that these traditions will continue. The Brothers will be greatly missed. They have served our community faithfully for so long. I pray for them daily.

Please, please, please retain the Franciscan priests. The tradition of their influence is so respected and needed for this parish. If they leave, a profound change will occur just as it did in a certain parish in Chicago when the Servants of Mary left.

The Eucharist! Quoting Christopher Heffron; “Humility is the heart of Franciscan spirituality. Francis of Assisi’s adoration of the Eucharist lit a fire in the hearts of those who have followed in his footsteps as daughters and sons of God.” My heart will always remain with the Franciscan order in prayer

Please prayerfully consider our petition to save our parish, traditions, and our Franciscan friars. Thank you.

Please do what is right for our parish and keep our well-being and culture intact. Thank you.