Relics of Saint Anthony of Padua. Have you heard of them? Here we stand before the Catholic Monastery of Saint Anthony. It is located on 9th Krasnoarmeyskaya Street. The Monastery of Saint Anthony is a unique place. It is the only Franciscan monastery in St. Petersburg.
The monastery’s history is quite interesting. The building was constructed in 1899. Before the revolution, the Society of Saint Xenia for poor women was located here. During the Soviet era, it housed a production facility.
In 1995, the Catholic Higher Theological Seminary was moved from Moscow to St. Petersburg. Some of its teachers were Franciscans. In 1996, the Franciscan leadership decided to establish a monastery in St. Petersburg. One of their main goals was theological training. This was for candidates from Russia and former USSR countries. For this purpose, a building in poor condition was acquired on 9th Krasnoarmeyskaya Street. In autumn of that year, two monks and four seminarians began functioning there.
The Monastery of Saint Anthony was canonically established on July 15, 2000. Between 2001 and 2007, the building was reconstructed. The project was designed by Italian architect Leonardo Brudzhiotti. On September 13, 2008, relics of Saint Anthony were brought to Russia. The Apostolic Nuncio in Russia, Archbishop Antonio Mennini, consecrated the new monastery church.
Five years later the church was ready. The altar was a gift from the Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua. It contained a reliquary. During restoration from 2008 to 2010, the relics were kept there. On September 8, 2013, the monastery church and altar were solemnly consecrated. Metropolitan Pavel Pezzi performed the ceremony. The rector of the Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua also participated.
The monastery complex covers about 1600 square meters. It includes a church and an adjacent building. This building houses monastic cells and guest rooms. There is also a library and spaces for pastoral work. Technical facilities are present too. Inside, there is a courtyard.
Daily services take place in the monastery church. Every Tuesday, a special service is held. It honors Saint Anthony of Padua. Concerts are held in the church as well. A Christian culture center operates at the monastery. It promotes Franciscan spirituality. Spiritual exercises are regularly organized. They are for spirituals and laity.
The monastery celebrates its patronal feast on June 13. This day attracts many people. If you wish to stay at the Monastery of Saint Anthony please contact them.