St. Anthony of Padua, Patron of the Lost

 St. Anthony of Padua, whose feast is June 13^th, is popularly known as the patron saint of lost articles. Known for his remarkable ability to help individuals find what they have lost, he has captured the hearts and faith of countless believers throughout history.

St. Anthony was born Fernando in Lisbon, Portugal in 1195.  At the age of fifteen, he joined the Augustinian Order, but later joined the Franciscans after being inspired by a group of Franciscan martyrs in Morocco.  He took the name Anthony.  In 1221, St. Francis held a general meeting in Assisi; when the others dispersed, there lingered behind, unknown and neglected, a poor Portuguese friar, Anthony.

Anthony was soon recognized as a great teacher and preacher.  He taught theology to the other Franciscan friars and assumed more responsibility within the Order until his death at age 36.

Throughout his life, St. Anthony became known for his powerful intercessory in helping people find their lost possessions.  Numerous accounts testify to his intercession locating lost items, from documents to jewelry to keys and more.  These miraculous recoveries have continued to inspire faith in St. Anthony’s intercession and has earned him the title of Patron of Lost Articles.

While St. Anthony is popularly known as the patron of lost material possessions, his intercession goes beyond just physical objects.  The “lost” includes a broader sense of direction, purpose, and even lost souls in need of spiritual guidance.  St. Anthony’s compassion extends to all those who seek his help, offering comfort and hope to those who may feel lost in their various aspects of life.

In conclusion, St. Anthony of Padua is a beloved saint who has captured the heart and devotion of countless individuals seeking the recovery of lost items or lost direction in their lives.  With his remarkable ability to assist in finding lost possessions and his unwavering dedication to helping those who turn to him, he has rightfully earned the title of patron saint of lost articles.  Whether it is a misplaced trinket or a lost sense of purpose, the faithful continue to invoke St. Anthony’s intercession, finding consolation in his timeless example of selflessness and compassion.

St. Anthony, pray for us!

Read more about St. Anthony in "Antonio: A Story of St. Anthony of Padua" by Madeline Pecora Nugent, cfp and "Saint Anthony and the Christ Child" by Helen Walker Homan.  And for kids, "Anthony of Padua: Wonder Worker" by Barbara Yoffie.  Find holy cards, medals, and statues to honor St. Anthony at St. Mary's Bookstore and StMarysBookstore.com.

June 4th: Celebrating the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity

 June 4^th: Celebrating the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity

In the liturgical calendar, June 4^th holds great significance as it marks the celebration of the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity.  The concept of the Holy Trinity is a central pillar of Christian theology.  It recognizes God as three distinct persons – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit – united as one God.

The Role of the Father:  God the Father, the Creator, is the all-loving Father who watches over His Creation.

The Incarnation of the Son: The second person of the Holy Trinity, Jesus Christ, is the perfect union of divinity and humanity.  Jesus offers salvation and reconciliation with God.

The Work of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the Advocate, Comforter, and Helper.  It is through the Holy Spirit that God’s presence is felt and experienced, providing guidance, inspiration, and strength.

On the feast of the Most Holy Trinity, Christians are called to deepen their understanding and devotion to the triune nature of God.  The faithful are called to contemplate the immense love God has for us within this Divine unity and seek a personal relationship with each person of the Trinity.

May this celebration of the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity serve as a reminder of God’s infinite love for us.

Do We Ask Her Enough?

On this Feast of Our Lady of Good Help, I am reminded to ask myself, "Do I ask Mary for help, for all I need, for all the needs of others, to intercede? Do I ask her enough? Almost 2,000 years ago her Son gave her to us through the offering to St. John at the base of the cross, "Behold your Mother."

And again, over 150 years ago, Our Lady appeared to Sr. Adele Brise in Wisconsin and told her, "I will help you." There is now a beautiful Marian Shrine built on the site of this approved apparition. (the only approved U.S. apparition, Visiting Mary: Her U.S. Shrines and their Graces)

And today, as we go about our day to day activities, as we worry about our jobs, our parents, our children and our nation, as we stress over how we can afford tuition and house payments and car payments, as we struggle with health issues, can we hear her voice? In the stillness? In the quiet? "I will help you." Do we visit her? Do we believe? Do we ask her enough? On this Feast of Our Lady of Good Help, we are reminded to accept the gift given at the base of the cross by Her Son. She is our help in this world. Pray for her intercession. Pray the rosary for peace. Allow her to help us.

St. Alphonsus Liguori

Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop, writer, artist, lawyer and theologian, dedicated to promoting devotion to Our Lady and the Blessed Sacrament.

"Here, then, is our heaven on earth--the Most Blessed Sacrament."

—    St. Alphonsus Ligouri

This book, written by the great St. Alphonsus Liguori, helps us grow in the knowledge and love of God and in appreciation for what He has done for us. Designed to be prayed in front the Blessed Sacrament each day over the course of a month, users of this powerful book cannot help but grow closer to Christ.

Includes: 31 days of meditations and fervent prayers of love toward Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament,  a daily "Visit to Our Lady," and an act of Spiritual Communion for each day, when we cannot receive His Body and Blood in the Eucharist

Premium UltraSoft with a ribbon marker and gilded edges.   $18.95

St. Anthony - Finder of Love

Today is the Feast Day of St. Anthony. 

For centuries believers have prayed to the "Saint of Miracles", St. Anthony, the finder, when in search of lost objects. In many cultures the faithful also petition St. Anthony when in search of true love. 

We pray:
Please help me find a loved one with whom to share mutual honor, respect, and a sincere desire to serve and grow. A partner who will walk lovingly beside me on my journey through life.

Our Lady of Fatima

On Sunday, May, 13, 1917, Lucy dos Santos, and her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto were pasturing their flocks as usual. It was noon of a clear, sunny day, when suddenly a flash of lightning cut the air -- then another. Fearing a storm, the children quickly gathered the sheep to get them home. Then their glances fell upon a small holm-oak tree directly in their path. A dazzling light hovered over the topmost branches, when -- wonder of wonders -- what should they behold but the form of a lovely lady standing atop the tree in the light, her feet hidden in a shimmering cloud. As Lucy later described her, "She was a lady more brilliant than the sun."

After telling the children not to be frightened, the vision said: "I come from Heaven, I want you to come here at this same hour on the 13th day of each month until October. Then I will tell you who I am and what I want." She also told them to say the Rosary every day, and to bear all the sufferings God would send them. 

In June the Lady appeared again. She told the youngsters that many souls go to Hell because they have no one to pray and make sacrifices for them. She said Francisco and Jacinta would soon leave the world for Heaven. Holding out her heart surrounded by thorns which pierced it from all sides, Our Lady told Lucy: "God wishes you to remain in the world for some time because He wants to use you to establish in the world the devotion to my Immaculate Heart. I promise salvation to those who embrace it, and their souls will be loved by God as flowers placed by myself to adorn His throne."