I HAVE heard stories of Catholics calling out for the help of St Anthony of Padua when they cannot find their rosary beads, for a good carpark at the shops and even heard one New South Welshmen’s cry to Anthony for his team to find one more try in a State of Origin decider.
But why do we call out for a 12th Century Portuguese-Italian saint when we lose our treasured, or even not so treasured, things? The answer comes from a tale in Anthony’s own life.
The story goes that Anthony had a valuable book of psalms that was extremely important to him.
One day, a novice monk left the community, taking the book with him.
Deeply saddened by the loss of his cherished possession, Anthony prayed fervently for its return.
Miraculously, the novice was overcome with guilt and returned the book, leading to Anthony’s book being referred to as the “Book of Lost Things”.
In his later years and the years after his death, Anthony became the centre of a strong devotion.
People began looking for his help when they misplaced or lost something of value, and many reported experiencing success in finding their lost possessions after praying to him.
Devotees often recite a prayer known as the Ss Anthony Prayer to seek his intercession.
This is the prayer:
O Holy St. Anthony gentlest of Saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request).
O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms. The gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen.
While St Anthony is most famous for being the patron saint of lost things, he’s also the patron saint of amputees, animals, Brazil, elderly people, horses, oppressed people, poor people, pregnant women, shipwrecks, and many, many more.
Today, June 13, is his feast day.
