MARATHON — The doors of St. Anthony Friary opened 100 years ago to welcome young men who were preparing to become priests and lay brothers in the Capuchin Franciscan Order of the Province of St. Joseph.

This House of Studies was built in Marathon because of the influence of the pastor at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marathon: Fr. Winand Daniels.

By the summer of 1919, the south, west, and east corridors of St. Anthony’s were opened for the incoming class of students. Within a few years, the ever-increasing number of students prompted an expansion of St. Anthony’s: the north corridor of the house was added in 1923. The house was expanded again in 1963.

Shortly after the second expansion, changes in the Roman Catholic Church and in society at large prompted the Capuchins’ Provincial Leadership to close the House of Studies, but continue its operation as a Retreat and Spirituality Center under the friars’ guidance.

Over the years, as the friars experienced a decline in their numbers and a diversification of ministries throughout the Province, they discontinued their ministry at St. Anthony’s in December of 2013.

The ministry lives on, however, in the work of lay and religious volunteers and staff members who collaborate with the Board of Directors of St. Anthony’s of Marathon, Inc. Friends and supporters of St. Anthony’s.

Today you are invited to experience a taste of it for a weekend of Centennial Events on Aug. 17 and 18 at 300 E. Fourth St., Marathon.

For more information, visit St. Anthony’s Website at www.sarcenter.com, call 715-443-2236, e-mail [email protected], or visit St. Anthony’s Facebook page.

Schedule of events

Aug. 17

9:30 – 5:30 Archive Display in Solanus Center, Silent Auction items listed on www.sarcenter.com

9:30 – 11 Interactive Walking Lecture: Agriculture and Land-Use Through the Years at St. Anthony’s

Noon-1 Light Lunch Available – free will offering

1 – 5 Self Guided Tours (Inside & Outside Booklets Provided)

1:30 – 2:30 “Behind the Walls” Early History by Fr. Tony Scannell OFM Cap.

2:45 – 3:45 Round Table Discussion w/Capuchin Friars (Various Aspects of Life at St. Anthony’s)

4:00 – 4:45 Superior Diocesan Chorale Performance under the tent

5:30 Spaghetti Meal -Suggested Offering of $10

7 Evening Prayer in Commemoration and Memory of Living and Deceased Residents, Volunteers, and Staff of St. Anthony’s

Party at the Firepit

Aug. 18

1 – 5:30 Archive Display in Solanus Center, Silent Auction items listed on www.sarcenter.com

1 Centennial Ribbon Cutting

2:30 Blessing of the New Elevator

3 Centennial Mass Celebration under Tent, Followed by Social

5:30 p.m. Celebration Meal -$20 Reservations required

6 Silent Auction Results