Pilgrimage to Saint Anthony
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Considered to be the jewel of Brasov city, "Saint John" Church of Brasov was renovated and reopened for locals and tourists who come especially to pray to Saint Anthony, known as a performer of miracles. During renovation works, an ancient place for praying to Saint Mary the Virgin was discovered here, copying the model of the cave from Lourdes, France. At the church inauguration ceremony lily flowers brought by parishioners as a token of purity were sanctified and special blessings were given to the children present at the Mass.
The Franciscan Spirit
Saint John Church is situated right in the middle of the old city centre of Brasov, on Saint John Street, and is a historical monument of great importance for Brasov. Built in gothic style, the church`s initial construction dates from the 15th century. Following destruction caused by fire, it had to be rebuilt in the 18th century. Here, in this part of the town, there was a monastery of the Franciscan Clare nuns founded in 1486, which in 1724 was donated to the Franciscan Friars whose monastery still exists. The interior of the church was renovated in the years to come and the Order of the Franciscan Friars commissioned skilled Brasov laic brothers to do such works. Moreover, during the European baroque period, having workshops operating within various religious orders was common thing.
Architectural Jewels
Nowadays` church still preserves three sanctuaries from the Franciscan church period and the pulpit. They represent true architectural jewels and, according to the inscription on the main sanctuary, were finished by 1729 the latest.
The church is especially known to many Christians as a place of pilgrimage to Saint Anthony. Each Tuesday the church gets crowded. People come in hope of being helped with their problems and difficulties and their prayers are being answered.
Spiritual call for help
The priests from the Franciscan monastery are now asking for financial support in order to continue the restoration works of the monument.
More money is still needed to repair the pipe organ dating back over 100 years ago, for the renovation of the sanctuaries and repairs to the roof.
"Any help, whatever the amount, will be very useful to us and we kindly ask for support for the renovation and consolidation works of the church," said Alexandru Vasiliu.
