St. Augustine, a martyr born in 1822 in Lorraine, France, was part of the Paris Foreign Missions Society and was beheaded in Vietnam. His Feast Day is May 1. Evangelization in Vietnam began in the 16th century, with missionaries and local Christians facing severe persecution. From 1645 to 1886, 53 anti-Christian edicts led to approximately 130,000 deaths. Rulers like Minh Mang and Tu Duc intensified the persecution, executing priests and forcing Christians to renounce their faith. Despite this, many remained steadfast, and the Church honors those whose martyrdom has been confirmed and documented. St. Augustin Schoeffler Time Period: 1822-1851 Feast Day: May 1 Title/Attributes: Martyr Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Piece of Cloth imbued with blood St. Augustine was a martyr of Vietnam. He was born in 1822, at Mittelbron, in Lorraine, France. Joining the Paris Foreign Missions Society, he went to Vietnam, and there he suffered martyrdom by beheading. His Feast Day is May 1. The work of evangelization, undertaken at the beginning of the 16th century, then established in the first Apostolic Vicariates of the North (Dàng-Ngoài) and the South (Dàng-Trong) in 1659, has seen an admirable development over the centuries. From the earliest years, the seed of Faith has been mixed in the Vietnamese land with the abundant blood of the Martyrs, both of the missionary clergy and of the local clergy and of the Christian people of Vietnam. All together they have endured the hardships of apostolic work, as in common agreement they have also faced death to bear witness to the evangelical truth. From 1645 to 1886 there were 53 edicts against Christians, signed by Lords Trinh and Nguyen or by the Kings who, for almost three centuries, XVII, XVIII, XIX (exactly 261 years: 1625-1886), decreed persecutions against Christians, one more violent than the other. There are approximately 130,000 victims fallen a bit everywhere in the national territory. During the reign of Minh Mang (king from 1821), the persecution became merciless: even those who dared to hide Christians were condemned to death. Emperor Tu Duc (who reigned from 1847 to 1883) also hated everything European, making no distinction between politics and religion. He decreed that anyone who helped capture a missionary should receive 300 ounces of silver. The missionary, however, should have his skull smashed and be thrown into the river. Local priests and foreign catechists were slaughtered, while local catechists had the words “Ta dao,” meaning “False religion,” branded on their cheeks with a red-hot iron, thus marking them as objects of public contempt. Ordinary Christian believers, on the other hand, could save their lives if they trampled on the cross before the judge. Faced with the Christians' steadfast faith, the sovereign ordered their dispersion and the confiscation of their property: husbands went to their wives and children to their parents; many were exiled to distant regions, among non-Christian populations. Of this myriad of heroes of faith, the Church has selected those whose lives have been reconstructed and whose martyrdom has been ascertained. Local priests and foreign catechists were slaughtered, while local catechists had the words “Ta dao,” meaning “False religion,” branded on their cheeks with a red-hot iron, thus marking them as objects of public contempt. Ordinary Christian believers, on the other hand, could save their lives if they trampled on the cross before the judge. Faced with the Christians' steadfast faith, the sovereign ordered their dispersion and the confiscation of their property: husbands went to their wives and children to their parents; many were exiled to distant regions, among non-Christian populations. Of this myriad of heroes of faith, the Church has selected those whose lives have been reconstructed and whose martyrdom has been ascertained. Next Item Previous Item

ACTS is a Parish Weekend Retreat that brings people closer to God and helps them build a relationship with Jesus. It’s based on Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service which is patterned after the description of the early Church by the Acts of the Apostles. Retreat Grow in your Faith Are you looking to deepen your faith? There are plenty of opportunities for adults to get involved at our parish. We have Bible Studies, Community Groups, Prayer and Devotions, Classes, Retreats, Organizations, and Groups in Spanish. I Want to Volunteer Contact Us All Categories Bible Study Class Community Group Organization Devotion Retreat ACTS Retreats Various Times English & Spanish Retreat ACTS is a Parish Weekend Retreat that brings people closer to God and helps them build a relationship with Jesus. It’s based on Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service which is patterned after the description of the early Church by the Acts of the Apostles. Upcoming Retreats Holy Name Retreats Various Times English & Spanish Retreat Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center supports and encourages the great human and spiritual adventure: the discovery of God and God’s loving compassion through Christ Crucified. Holy Name exists to provide hospitality, healing, compassion, and opportunities for spiritual growth for all people. Retreats are offered on many different weekends throughout the year. Upcoming Retreats Retiro Mensuales Martes por la mañana Spanish Only Retreat El Retiro Mensual es una mañana de oración personal frente a Cristo Eucaristía ofrecido por el Movimiento Regnum Christi. Es una invitación abierta a todas las mujeres que quieran crecer en su relación personal con Jesús a través de meditaciones basadas en la Sagrada Escritura, oportunidad de confesión y de participar en la Santa Misa. Más Información Retreats Various Times English & Spanish Retreat Throughout the year we offer various retreats at St. Anthony's and around the Archdiocese. Visit our website for more information. Upcoming Retreats World Wide Marriage Encounter Various Times English & Spanish Retreat The Worldwide Marriage Encounter experience offers married couples an opportunity to reconnect with each other through dialogue and time spent together. Experiences are offered in various formats to meet the needs of couples - weekend retreats, weeknight meetings, and online options. More Information BACK TO ADULT FAITH - GET INVOLVED BACK TO TOP

Severin of Cologne was the bishop of Cologne, venerated as a confessor and miracle-worker. A native of Bordeaux, he was a powerful defender of orthodoxy, staunchly opposing Arianism. Before his episcopal appointment, he experienced a vision: his staff budded and flowered, signaling his divine calling. He founded a monastery dedicated to Saints Cornelius and Cyprian—today Cologne’s Basilica of St. Severinus—and reportedly witnessed the ascent of St. Martin of Tours’ soul into heaven. His bones are enshrined in Cologne, and he is invoked against drought and misfortune. St. Severin of Cologne Time Period: 4th Century Feast Day: October 23 Title/Attributes: Bishop, Confessor Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: Bones Severin of Cologne was the bishop of Cologne, venerated as a confessor and miracle-worker. A native of Bordeaux, he was a powerful defender of orthodoxy, staunchly opposing Arianism. Before his episcopal appointment, he experienced a vision: his staff budded and flowered, signaling his divine calling. He founded a monastery dedicated to Saints Cornelius and Cyprian—today Cologne’s Basilica of St. Severinus—and reportedly witnessed the ascent of St. Martin of Tours’ soul into heaven. His bones are enshrined in Cologne, and he is invoked against drought and misfortune. Next Item Previous Item

St. Andrew Avellino was a theologian, founder, and friend of St. Charles Borromeo. Born as Lancellato, he took the name Andrew when he became a Theatine monk and studied in Venice and Naples, earning ordination and a Doctor of Laws at twenty-six. After realizing his capacity for dishonesty in legal arguments, he left the court and reformed a lax convent, facing violent opposition. He later joined the Theatines, became director of novices, and founded several monasteries. A trusted advisor to St. Charles Borromeo, he also wrote treatises and preached. He died on November 10, 1608, leaving a legacy of reform and devotion. St. Andrew Avellino Time Period: 1521-1608 Feast Day: November 10 Title/Attributes: Confessor Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Andrew Avellino was a Theologian, founder, and friend of St. Charles Borromeo. Born as Lancellato, he took the name of Andrew as a Theatine monk. A devoted young man who was also very handsome, Andrew studied in Venice and in Naples, receiving ordination and a Doctor of Laws at the age of twenty-six. He served in the ecclesiastical court in Naples until he realized that he was capable of lying in order to win a legal argument. His remorse led to his retirement from the court, and he was commissioned by the archbishop of Naples to reform a lax convent in the city. Andrew was attacked by a group of men who opposed this reformation and was taken to the Theatine monastery to recuperate in safety. Andrew entered the Order of Theatines, which had been founded just a few years before by St. Cajetan. After completing his novitiate, Andrew visited the shrines of Rome, returning to Naples to become the director of novices for the Theatines. He also founded several new Theatine monasteries, serving as superior in some. St. Charles Borromeo learned to depend on Andrew's wisdom in affairs of the Church. He also wrote treatises and preached. Andrew died on November 10, 1608. Next Item Previous Item

St. Mark the Evangelist, author of the second Gospel, was a cousin of St. Barnabas and a companion of Sts. Paul and Peter. A Levite from Jerusalem, he likely knew Jesus personally and may have been the young man who fled during Jesus’ arrest. Mark accompanied Paul and Barnabas on missions and later became Peter’s interpreter. His Gospel, written around 60–70 AD, reflects Peter’s teachings and served as a source for Matthew and Luke. Mark was the first bishop of Alexandria and died a martyr there. His relics were later moved to Venice, where he is honored as the city’s patron. St. Mark the Evangelist Time Period: 1st Century Feast Day: April 25 Title/Attributes: Evangelist Location of Relic: Main Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Mark the Evangelist was the author of second Gospel. He was the son of Mary of Jerusalem and a cousin of St. Barnabas. Mark was a Levite and was possibly a minister in the local synagogue when he met Jesus. He is believed to have been the young man who fled naked when Jesus was arrested (Mark 14:51-52). Mark accompanied Sts. Paul and Barnabas to Antioch in 44 and then to Cyprus. He was a companion of St. Paul on his first missionary journey but returned to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). He disagreed with St. Paul but was with him in Rome during St. Paul’s first imprisonment (Col 4:10). An early tradition states that Mark was the first bishop of Alexandria, Egypt, and is possible the “John Mark” of Acts 12:25. Mark’s Gospel was written probably between the years 60-70, based on the teaching of St. Peter. He was also called “the Interpreter of Peter” by his contemporaries. It is believed that Mark provided Sts. Matthew and Luke with the basic sources of their Gospels. He died as a martyr in Alexandria, Egypt, and in the ninth century his relics were transferred to Venice, Italy. There they are enshrined in a beautiful cathedral dedicated to his honor. He is the patron saint of Venice. His main symbol is a winged lion. Next Item Previous Item

St. Vincent Ferrer was a Spanish Dominican preacher born in Valencia in 1350. He joined the Dominicans in 1367 and gained fame for predicting grain shipments during a famine. Serving Cardinal Pedro de Luna, who later became antipope Benedict XIII, Vincent declined high offices. After recovering from a near-fatal illness following a vision, he began a successful preaching tour across Western Europe. A key figure in attempting to end the Great Western Schism, he advocated for Benedict XIII to resign. Vincent died in Vannes, Brittany, and was canonized by Pope Callistus III. St. Vincent Ferrer Time Period: 1350-1419 Feast Day: April 5 Title/Attributes: Confessor, Dominican Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Vincent Ferrer was a Spanish Dominican preacher. A native of Valencia, he joined the Dominicans in 1367 and was sent to Barcelona to complete his studies. After teaching at Lerida, he returned to Barcelona, where he earned fame for predicting accurately the timely arrival of grain ships during a famine. During the coming years, he became a member of the retinue of Cardinal Pedro de Luna, then a papal legate to the court of Aragon and the future antipope Benedict XIII. Vincent subsequently taught at the cathedral of Valencia. Summoned to Avignon, France, he took the position of confessor and apostolic penitentiary to antipope Benedict XIII, following de Luna’s irregular election as papal claimant in 1394. Vincent declined all offices and honors bestowed upon him by his patron, including the cardinalate. Vincent fell gravely ill and nearly died during a French siege of Avignon, recovering miraculously after beholding a vision of Christ, St. Dominic, and St. Francis of Assisi. In this vision, Vincent was told to go forth and preach, but he met resistance from antipope Benedict, who was reluctant to have him leave Avignon. In 1389, Benedict finally gave his permission, and Vincent launched upon a preaching tour across Western Europe. Eloquent and passionate, he attracted huge crowds of believers and was soon esteemed across Christendom. In Spain, he was named one of the nine judges to decide the succession to the crown of Aragon. King Ferdinand I, also known as Ferdinand the Just, was subsequently chosen. One of Vincent’s finest achievements was his effort to end the Great Western Schism, which had divided the Church since 1378. While he believed that Benedict XIII was the legitimate pontiff, Vincent nevertheless called publicly for him to step down for the good of the Church. He also spent much time preaching for an end to the schism in 1418. In his last years, he preached in northern France, including a sermon before the royal court at Caen in 1418. He died in Vannes, Brittany, and was canonized by Pope Callistus III. Next Item Previous Item

Second Collections As Catholics, not only do we support our parish family, but also our greater community around us. The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston second collections allow us to give resources to both our region and the world. 26/27 SECOND COLLECTIONS In addition to Archdiocese Second Collections, our parish has other scheduled second collections throughout the year. Parish collections are in italics. Give to Second Collections HELPFUL ONLINE LINKS: ➠ Support the Diocesan Services Fund at ap.church/dsf ➠ Find Second Collections at pushpay.com/g/stanthonysecondcollections ➠ Find Special Collections on Holy Days at pushpay.com/g/stanthonyholydays Respect Life Ministry October 4, 2026 Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) October 11, 2026 Word Mission Sunday October 18, 2026 Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) November 1, 2026 Retired Priests November 8, 2026 Campaign for Human Development November 15, 2026 Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) December 6, 2026 Retirement Fund for Religious December 13, 2026 +++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++ Bishop’s Fund for Latin America January 24, 2027 St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School January 31, 2027 Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) Sunday Kickoff February 7, 2027 Archdiocesan Social Ministries (Ash Wednesday) February 10, 2027 Black and Indian Missions Collection February 14, 2027 Missionaries of St. Francis De Sales February 21, 2027 Catholic Relief Services March 7, 2027 Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) March 14, 2027 Holy Land Collection (Good Friday) March 26, 2027 Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) April 11, 2027 Home Missions - ADGH April 25, 2027 Honduras Medical Mission May 2, 2027 Catholic Communications May 9, 2027 Collection for Seminarians May 16, 2027 Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) May 23, 2027 Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) June 13, 2027 Peter's Pence (Holy Father's Charities) June 27, 2027 Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) July 11, 2027 St. Vincent de Paul Society July 18, 2027 Infirm Priests August 8, 2027 Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) August 22, 2027 Catholic University/University of St. Thomas September 5, 2027 Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) September 12, 2027 Parish Student Ministries September 19, 2027 Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) October 10, 2027 Word Mission Sunday October 24, 2027 Retired Priests November 7, 2027 Campaign for Human Development November 14, 2027 Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) November 21, 2027 Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) December 5, 2027 Retirement Fund for Religious December 12, 2027 Next Item Previous Item

Jean-François Régis was born in Font-Couverte, France, on 31 January 1597. While still a boy he immediately showed great love for study and religion, so he was introduced to the Jesuit college of Bezieres. After a short period he went to Toulouse to begin his novitiate. From there he was sent to Cahors, where he took his first vows and then to Dillon. After three years he went to Tournon to study philosophy and again to Toulouse for theology. After receiving holy orders, he devoted himself to caring for plague victims. Once the contagion had ceased, Francis began his missions among the poor in the countryside, which later became his specific apostolate. He thus traveled, preaching, almost half of France. Ever more ill, one day he still wanted to go on a mission; struck by fever, he dragged himself to his destination: it was December 24. He died on December 31, 1640. He was canonized by Clement XII on April 5, 1737. St. John Francis Regis Time Period: 1597-1640 Feast Day: June 16 Title/Attributes: Confessor, Jesuit Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Wood from the coffin Jean-François Régis was born in Font-Couverte, France, on 31 January 1597. While still a boy he immediately showed great love for study and religion, so he was introduced to the Jesuit college of Bezieres. After a short period he went to Toulouse to begin his novitiate. From there he was sent to Cahors, where he took his first vows and then to Dillon. After three years he went to Tournon to study philosophy and again to Toulouse for theology. After receiving holy orders, he devoted himself to caring for plague victims. Once the contagion had ceased, Francis began his missions among the poor in the countryside, which later became his specific apostolate. He thus traveled, preaching, almost half of France. Ever more ill, one day he still wanted to go on a mission; struck by fever, he dragged himself to his destination: it was December 24. He died on December 31, 1640. He was canonized by Clement XII on April 5, 1737. Next Item Previous Item

St. Helen (Helena), mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, was born in Bithynia to a humble background and married the future emperor Constantius I Chlorus. After giving birth to Constantine in 285, she was later divorced for political reasons. When Constantine became emperor, Helen was honored with the title Augusta (Empress) in 325. A convert to Christianity, she became known for her charitable works and church-building efforts. Her most famous act was a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where she discovered the True Cross of Christ. She also commissioned basilicas in Bethlehem and on the Mount of Olives, leaving a lasting spiritual legacy. St. Helen Time Period: 248-330 Feast Day: August 18 Title/Attributes: Empress, Mother of Constantine Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Helen (Helena) was the Empress and mother of Constantine the Great (r. 306-337). Helen was born in Bithynia to a poor family of little social status. She was a working as a servant, in fact, when she met the soldier Constantius I Chlorus. The two were soon married, especially as Constantius had seemingly few prospects, and so a union with a lowly daughter of a Bithynian family was not considered an impediment. Their son, Constantine, was born in 285. In 293, however, Constantius was made Caesar, or junior emperor. For political purposes, he divorced Helen to marry co-Emperor Maximian’s stepdaughter. Constantine became emperor himself in 312 after a fateful victory at the battle of the Milvian Bridge over the rival claimant Maxentius. When Constantine became the sole ruler of the Roman Empire, Helen was granted many honors. She was named Augusta, or empress, in 325, and enjoyed much influence at the imperial court. Helen converted to Christianity and performed many acts of charity, including building churches in Rome and in the Holy Land. Helen is most notably known for seeking and finding the passion relics of Christ. She went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and discovered the True Cross, an event recorded Rufinus Sulpicius Severus and St. Ambrose. Helen also built basilicas in Bethlehem and on the Mount of Olives. Next Item Previous Item

St. Bernadette Soubirous, born in Lourdes, France, in 1844, was a poor, asthmatic girl who experienced visions of the Virgin Mary in 1858. Despite pressure from authorities, she remained steadfast. A spring emerged at the site, believed to have healing properties. On March 25, she declared Mary’s words: “I am the Immaculate Conception,” astonishing many, as this doctrine had been formally defined only in 1854. Bernadette later joined a convent in Nevers, where she endured illness until her death in 1879. Lourdes became a major pilgrimage site, drawing millions seeking spiritual and physical healing from its miraculous waters. St. Bernadette Soubirous Time Period: 1844-1879 Feast Day: April 16 Title/Attributes: Virgin, Marian Saint Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: Hair St. Bernadette Soubirous is the famed visionary of Lourdes. She was born in Lourdes, France, on January 7, 1844, the daughter of Francis and Louise Soubirous. Bernadette, a severe asthma sufferer, lived in abject poverty. On February 11, 1858, she was granted a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary in a cave on the banks of the Gave River near Lourdes. She was placed in considerable jeopardy when she reported the vision, and crowds gathered when she had further visits from the Virgin Mary, from February 18 of that year through March 4. The civil authorities tried to frighten Bernadette into recanting her accounts, but she remained faithful to the vision. On February 25, a spring emerged from the cave, and the waters were discovered to be of miraculous nature, capable of healing the sick and lame. On March 25, Bernadette announced that the vision of Mary stated, "I am the Immaculate Conception." This declaration was astonishing because the dogma of the Immaculate Conception had only recently been formally defined by Pope Pius IX in 1854. Bernadette, an uneducated peasant girl with no theological training, could not have known about this doctrine on her own. When she relayed this message to her parish priest and later to the bishop, it caused a sensation. The Church took this as a powerful confirmation of the Marian dogma, lending credibility to Bernadette’s visions. Her words deeply impacted Church authorities, further solidifying the belief that the visions were of divine origin. Many authorities tried to shut down the spring and delay the construction of the chapel, but the influence and fame of the visions reached Empress Eugenie of France, wife of Napoleon III, and construction went forward. Crowds gathered, free of harassment from the anticlerical and antireligious officials. In 1866, Bernadette was sent to the Sisters of Notre Dame in Nevers. There, she became a member of the community and faced some rather harsh treatment from the mistress of novices. This oppression ended when it was discovered that she suffered from a painful, incurable illness. She died in Nevers on April 16, 1879, still giving the same account of her visions. Lourdes became one of the major pilgrimage destinations in the world, and the spring has produced twenty-seven thousand gallons of water each week since emerging during Bernadette’s visions. She was not involved in the building of the shrine, as she remained hidden at Nevers. However, her unwavering faith and the miraculous events at Lourdes continue to inspire millions worldwide. There are about five million pilgrims who visit Lourdes every year. Next Item Previous Item