EXPLAINER: What is Spiritual Twinning for the Saint Anthony of Padua Parish in Manila?

The Saint Anthony of Padua Parish in Singalong, Manila recently announced its "spiritual twinning" with the Pontifical Basilica of San Antonio de Padua in Italy.

"This sacred bond is not only a symbol of unity but also a powerful invitation to further deepen our devotion, faith, and love for Saint Anthony of Padua," the parish said in a statement.

"Through this spiritual brotherhood, our parish is recognized as a partner in spreading the teachings and example of Saint Anthony — a saint known for his humility, concern for others, and tireless preaching of the Word of God," it added.

Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula presided over the solemn declaration of the Spiritual Twinning and Misa Trecenario sa Karangalan ni San Antonio ng Padua on Wednesday evening.

He said the celebration was not just for the connection with a holy place, nor is it merely for the honor of the title.

"Kung nakaugnay tayo sa simbahan ni San Antonio dapat nakaugnay din puso natin sa pananampalataya at pagmamamahal niya kay Kristo. Kapag buo ang puso, dapat buo rin ang buhay," the prelate said.

(If we are connected to the church of San Antonio de Padua, our hearts should also be connected to his faith and love for Christ. When the heart is whole, life must also be whole.)

The parish further said the Twinning is an opportunity to be part of the Church's global mission in honoring Saint Anthony.

What is Spiritual Twinning?

The parish posted an explanation of "spiritual twinning," which in Italian is called "gemellagio spirituale" and in Filipino, it is called "banal na pagkakapatiran (Holy Brotherhood)."

This means that the Basilica of San Antonio de Padua in Italy considers the parish a "sister church."

The "twinning" aims to further strengthen the devotion to San Antonio de Padua within the local community and the entire Archdiocese of Manila.

"This is also equivalent to the fact that whenever we visit the church in Singalong, it would be like we are in the Basilica of San Antonio in Padua, Italy," the parish said.

The parish in Singalong, Manila said it has received a "special blessing" as it has been designated as an affiliated church of the Pontifical Basilica of San Antonio de Padua in Italy where the remains of San Antonio de Padua are interred, especially his tongue "which is said to have not decayed due to his meticulous and famous preaching of the Word of God."

This church in Padua is considered an international shrine in honor of San Antonio.

"This relationship also includes the unique responsibility of introducing San Antonio de Padua to the various parishes in the archdiocese through the visitation of his relics and pilgrim images to various churches," the parish said.

The church in Singalong, Manila also announced that there will be a monthly teaching on San Antonio de Padua accompanied by devotional prayers, celebration of Holy Mass, confession, and charitable works. — BAP, GMA News