Showing posts with label Patron Saint. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Patron Saint. Show all posts

Monday, June 12, 2023

St. Anthony of Padua, Patron of the Lost

 St. Anthony of Padua, whose feast is June 13th, 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.

Monday, June 18, 2018

I Get Asked A Lot ...

"What medal is that?" "Where did you get it?" "Why do you wear it?" Many people I know wear medals they have received as gifts, from aunts or grandparents who "knew they would actually wear it", from places they have traveled, for protection and for devotional purposes. I personally own more medals than I could ever wear all at once. Medals that have been blessed by popes or in holy places. Medals that have been handed down from loved ones. Medals that I have purchased while traveling. Each and every one has significance to me. I have worn a St. Gerard medal for 29 years when it was given to me by one of our vendors after the loss of our first child and upon the birth of our oldest on earth. The only time I have taken it off for any length of time was when I put it over the head of a friend on her way to the hospital to give birth (she was a bit worried but all went well, of course). I also continually wear my Miraculous Medal that I received after my consecration to Mary and my scapular medal, because with promises like that, how can I not?! Last but not least, I wear a medal of St. John of God, patron of booksellers. I also often wear a shorter chained medal, usually something from a Marian Apparition; Fatima, Lourdes, or Guadalupe just because they are beautiful and they fill me with memories of being at a certain Grotto or apparition site.

Now don't get me wrong, I know that it's not as simple as putting a medal around our necks and POOF, protected or holy or instant sales or whatever. I know that these medals are simply reminders for us to pray to Our Lady and Our Lord and the patron Saints. They are reminders of promises to cling to faith and hope and love. They are reminders to visit and to listen. They are reminders of those who have come before us, the community of believers who have paved our way, who have planted seeds and who have prayed for the future of the Church on earth.

I get asked a lot, and so we ask you...what medals do you wear? Why?

Monday, June 13, 2016

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.

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

St. Joseph, Patron Saint of Father's

In preparation for Father's Day, we ask St. Joseph to bless us all.

Prayer to St. Joseph:
Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. Oh, St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my Thanksgiving and Homage to the most Loving of Fathers. 
Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, Pray for us. Amen.