Shrine of St. Anthony | Columbia MD

The Shrine of St. Anthony, located in Ellicott City, Maryland, is a significant Catholic spiritual center dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua, one of the Church’s most beloved saints known for his powerful intercessory prayers and devotion to the poor and lost. The shrine serves both as a place of worship and pilgrimage, offering visitors an environment of tranquility, prayer, and spiritual renewal within a historic and scenic setting.

Historical Background and Setting

Founded in 1931 by the Conventual Franciscan Friars, the Shrine of St. Anthony is part of the St. Joseph Cupertino Friary, which spans approximately 320 acres of woodlands, hills, and pastoral land. The friary and shrine are situated on Folly Quarter Road, a serene area near Ellicott City known for its natural beauty.

The architectural design of the shrine’s chapel reflects the Neo-Renaissance style, with elegant and traditional elements that inspire contemplation. The shrine is built to honor St. Anthony of Padua, whose relics are enshrined within the chapel, offering a tangible connection to the saint. The presence of a first-class relic of St. Anthony makes the shrine a rare and special destination for devotees.

Spiritual and Religious Activities

The Shrine of St. Anthony functions as a fully active religious site with daily liturgical services:

Daily Mass: Held at 12:00 PM every day of the week, including Sundays. These Masses are celebrated in the Shrine Chapel and are open to the public. For those unable to attend in person, the Mass is streamed live online, broadening access to the shrine’s spiritual offerings.

Confessions: Available Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 11:50 AM in the chapel, providing an opportunity for sacramental reconciliation.

Devotions: Throughout the year, the shrine hosts various devotional services, including prayer for the sick, novenas, and rosaries dedicated to St. Anthony and other Franciscan saints.

The quiet and sacred atmosphere makes it an ideal location for personal prayer, meditation, and reflection.

Annual St. Anthony Festival

One of the most important events at the shrine is the annual St. Anthony Festival, celebrated in mid-June around the Feast Day of St. Anthony (June 13). This festival is a significant occasion drawing pilgrims, local faithful, and visitors from a wider region. The event typically includes:

Multiple Masses and prayer services.

Guest speakers who discuss St. Anthony’s life, miracles, and spiritual legacy.

Opportunities for spiritual renewal and community fellowship.

A variety of religious, cultural, and educational activities.

The festival is a vibrant expression of faith and community, serving both to honor the saint and to deepen devotion among attendees.

The Shrine Grounds and Facilities

Beyond the chapel itself, the shrine grounds offer peaceful walking trails, gardens, and outdoor prayer spaces where visitors can enjoy nature while engaging in spiritual reflection. The natural setting of hills and woods enhances the retreat-like environment of the friary.

The shrine includes a small but well-stocked gift shop, which offers religious articles such as statues, rosaries, prayer cards, books about St. Anthony and Franciscan spirituality, and souvenirs related to the shrine. The gift shop is open on weekends and during special events.

Tours and Retreat Opportunities

The Shrine of St. Anthony provides guided tours on a monthly basis. These tours explore the history of the shrine, the life of St. Anthony of Padua, and the Franciscan order’s presence in Maryland. They often include visits to the friary grounds and historical explanations that give visitors a deeper understanding of the site’s religious and cultural significance.

In addition to tours, the shrine serves as a retreat center for individuals or groups seeking spiritual renewal. The friary offers quiet spaces conducive to prayer, study, and reflection, making it a popular destination for retreatants, religious groups, and pilgrims.

Visitor Information

Location: 12290 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City, Maryland.

Chapel Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Gift Shop Hours: Open Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and Sundays from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

Grounds Access: The outdoor grounds are accessible daily from dawn until dusk, inviting visitors to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Contact: The shrine can be contacted via phone or through its official website for information about Mass schedules, special events, retreats, and tours.

Significance and Visitor Experience

The Shrine of St. Anthony offers a rare combination of historical importance, religious devotion, and natural beauty. It draws a diverse range of visitors-from local parishioners and pilgrims to tourists interested in spirituality and heritage. The presence of relics, ongoing liturgical services, and rich Franciscan traditions makes the shrine a focal point for Catholic worship in the region.

Visitors to the shrine can expect a contemplative environment where they can participate in sacraments, attend Mass, engage in devotional prayers, or simply find solace amidst the tranquil setting of the friary grounds. The shrine’s welcoming atmosphere and educational tours provide insight into Franciscan spirituality, fostering a deeper appreciation of St. Anthony’s enduring legacy.

Summary

The Shrine of St. Anthony in Ellicott City is a deeply spiritual and historic sanctuary dedicated to one of Christianity’s most revered saints. It serves as a center for prayer, pilgrimage, and community celebration, set within the peaceful natural landscape of the St. Joseph Cupertino Friary. With daily Mass, confession opportunities, special festivals, and retreat facilities, the shrine plays a vital role in nurturing faith, cultural heritage, and spiritual renewal in the Howard County region and beyond.