Tuesday, April 28, 2009

International Recognition for St. Anthony's Las Alfombras



The April 13th edition of the Guatemalan newspaper Prensa Libre featured la alfombra from Saint Anthony of Padua's Good Friday Via Crucis. Las Alfombras means "the carpets in Spanish. However, within the Catholic Church, it is a special carpet made of colored materials like sawdust, rice, fruit, or flower petals depciting scenes from the life of Jesus and particularly of Holy Week. For those who meticulously work to create it, it is a form of prayer and veneration, with each scene depicted the special responsibility and privilege for the individuals who work on it.

The idea of creating Las Alfombras started in Spain and was inspired by Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. The custom was brought to Guatemala by Spanish Franciscan missionaries where it became and has remained part of the culture of the people of Guatemala. This gift has now been brought to the United States and especially to Saint Anthony of Padua parish thanks to the Guatemalan community of Northern Virginia.

Las Alfombras is an ephemeral work of art at Saint Anthony parish being removed after the procession of the Via Crucis on Good Friday enters the Church.

Las Alfombras is recognized throughout the world as demonstrating the faith and devotion of Catholic people and being a blessing for all who come to see it.

Article thanks to Patricia Franco.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Parish Dental Screening -- April 19








Sponsored by Parish Nurse Ministry.


Thursday, April 23, 2009

Monday, April 13, 2009

Via Crucis (Good Friday)



























Photographs thanks to Scott Engdahl.

Las Alfombras on Good Friday

















Working from early in the morning, volunteers from the Guatemalan community created a beautiful carpet Good Friday morning for the Via Crucis procession later in the day. Las Alfombras (The Carpets) is a tradition originally from Spain that has become a tradition in Guatemala -- and now at Saint Anthony of Padua thanks to members of the Guatemalan community!

April Health Spot


Lunch and socializing!

The Kitchen Crew
The Parish Nurse Ministry held the April Health Spot luncheon for seniors on Friday, April 3, 2009. A healthy Lenten lunch was served with desert foreshadowing the coming joy of Easter Sunday! Health Spot luncheons are held monthly on the first Friday of every month after the 12 noon Mass. All parish seniors are invited; lunch and a short health spot are provided. It's a great way to start the month!