ST ANTHONY GALVÃO, PRIEST AND RELIGIOUS

ST ANTHONY GALVÃO, PRIEST AND RELIGIOUS - 25 OCTOBER

SAINT ANTHONY GALVÃO, PRIEST AND RELIGIOUS

Saint Anthony Galvão was one of eleven children born to pious, well-to-do Catholic parents in Guaratinguetá, São Paulo State, Brazil.

At age 21, on April 15, 1760, he entered the novitiate of the St Bonaventure Friary in Macacu, Rio de Janeiro. During his novitiate he was known for his piety, zeal and exemplary virtues.

He made his solemn profession on April 16, 1761 and took the Franciscan vow to defend the Blessed Virgin Mary's title of the "Immaculate"; at that time it was still a controversial doctrine.

A year later he was ordained a priest and sent to St Francis Friary in São Paulo, where he continued his studies in theology and philosophy. In 1768 he was appointed preacher, confessor and porter of the convent, an important post.

In 1769-70 he served as confessor to the "Recolhimento", the Recollects of St Teresa in São Paulo. Here he met Sr Helena Maria of the Holy Spirit, a prayerful and penitent nun who claimed to have visions where Jesus was asking her to found a new "Recolhimento". Fr Galvão, her confessor, studied these messages and consulted with others who recognized them as valid and supernatural.

He therefore collaborated in the new foundation and Our Lady of the Conception of Divine Providence was established on February 2, 1774. It was modelled on the Conceptionists.

After Sr Helena's sudden death on February 23, 1775, Fr Galvão became the new head of this young Institute, a post he assumed with humility and prudence.

During this time a change in São Paulo's Government brought an inflexible leader who ordered the closing of the convent. Fr Anthony accepted the decision with faith, the Sisters obeyed but did not leave the premises, and due to popular pressure and the Bishop's efforts, the convent was soon re-opened.

Subsequently, the number of vocations increased and more living space was required. It took Fr Anthony 28 years to build the convent and church, with the latter being dedicated on August 15, 1802.

In addition to the construction work and duties within and outside his Order, Friar Galvão committed himself to the Recollect's formation. The Statutes he wrote for them is a guide for the interior life and religious discipline. In 1929 this convent became a monastery, incorporated into the Order of the Immaculate Conception.

In 1811 he founded St Clare Convent in Sorocaba. Fr Anthony of Saint Anne Galvão passed to his eternal reward at St Francis Friary, São Paulo, on December 23, 1822.

Excerpts from the information available on the official Vatican website

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saint Anthony may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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