Maria Gosling, M.S.
I have always believed that the most profound stories are not the ones we plan to tell, but the ones that find us. At St. Anthony Shrine, I feel like I have stepped into a story that was meant for me. This place moves me, compelling me to capture and share the moments that often go unnoticed.
100 Arch Street is not just a building. It is proof of what faith, perseverance, and purpose can create. Brother Cajetan J. B. Baumann, OFM, started as a woodworker before using that same craftsmanship to design sacred spaces. In the middle of World War II, the Franciscan friars took a leap of faith, laying the foundation of what would become a sanctuary in the heart of downtown Boston. The first friars lived in the basement of a small, four-story building, cooking on a single stove and sleeping on cots, trusting that they were building something bigger than themselves. And they were right. The Shrine still stands today, a place of refuge, service, and unwavering commitment to the community.
That same spirit is alive now. Every friar, staff member, volunteer, and visitor carries something special. Br. JJ’s commitment to showcasing the history and beauty of religious women through handcrafted replica habits. Fr. Tom’s vision for expanding the Shrine’s reach. Fr. Charlie’s wisdom and humor. Julie’s dedication to keeping everything running. Laura’s energy for the future. There are also the quiet moments, the lilies placed at St. Anthony’s feet, the whispered prayers, the simple kindness exchanged in the hallways. These moments are what make the Shrine feel like home.
What moves me most about this place is how everyone here stays true to who they are. In a world that often pushes people to fit into expectations, the friars live in a way that feels rare. They do not try to be anything other than what they are called to be. The friars, staff, volunteers, and visitors all bring their own unique stories and perspectives, and instead of being asked to change, they are welcomed as they are. That kind of honesty, that kind of authenticity, is what makes this community so special.
I am here to share these stories, hoping to inspire the community as much as this place inspires me. Take the Women’s Clinic, for example, a safe and supportive space that continues the Franciscan mission of service with both compassion and practical care. Stories like these, filled with kindness, resilience, and quiet acts of faith, deserve to be told.
Keep this as a reminder. Someone is always listening, watching, and learning from your actions. Your story is worth being told. The stories here are about people living fully as themselves, embracing who they are rather than molding themselves to expectations. That kind of truth is powerful and it deserves to be seen.
Beauty is everywhere. We just have to be willing to see it. And that begins with looking inward, learning to love ourselves so we can love the world around us, so we can recognize the beauty that has always been there.
I invite you to read, engage, and be part of these stories. If you have a story to share about your experience at the Shrine, I would love to hear it. Feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]. Your story may inspire others and I would be honored to help tell it.