Sunday, December 23, 2012

A Video On The Life Of St. Anthony

We hope you enjoy the video below, a short synopsis of the life of St. Anthony.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Prayer Of Confidence To St. Anthony

Most holy St. Anthony, Beloved Friend of Jesus, I place myself in your heavenly care. Be with me, especially in life's troubles and difficulties. Intercede before the Lord for me, so that I may confidently know I do not face my problems alone.
I join my prayers to yours, O Great Saint, as I ask God to give me consolation in times of sorrow, courage when I am afraid, and healing from all the ills that afflict me. Obtain for me from God, Most High, the grace to accept whatever is God's holy will for me and my loved ones. Strengthen my faith so that I will never despair, but always have hope in God's healing presence and power in my life. Amen.


A personal note from Ygancia - some time ago I was looking out my kitchen window at the statue of St. Anthony in my garden, when I felt a strong urge to invite St. Anthony into my family. Though he is my brother in Christ already, I felt drawn to invite him to be my 'big brother', to be a part of my earthly family. Now I renew that request daily - I hope some of our readers will feel drawn to him too, and ask him into their lives in a more personal way. He has been a healing grace from God in my life, he can be that for you, too.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

St. Anthony Quote - The Essence Of The Bread Is Changed

“Upon the Altar there takes place the transubstantiation of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. That Body which the Virgin begot, which hung upon the Cross and was placed in the sepulcher, which rose again the third day, and ascended to the right hand of the Father, this Body the Church today and everyday presents and distributes to her faithful. When the priest speaks the words: This is My Body, the essence of the bread is changed into the Body of Christ.”

~St. Anthony of Padua

Beloved Father Passes Away

We ask our readers to pray for the repose of the soul of the beloved father of one our blog owners. After a very brief illness, he passed away November 30th., 2012, at 11:00 am.
St. Andrew, whose feast day he passed away on, pray for him~

Requiem aeternam dona ei, Domine.
Et lux perpetua luceat ei.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

St. Anthony Medal And Prayer Card

If you would like to have the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement in New York pray for your intentions click here, or, to sign up for their Perpetual St. Anthony Novena, click here to visit their website and enroll.
Here is a testimony from a grateful person regarding the Friars:

'Thank you Friars for bringing St. Anthony into my life. The beautiful medal and prayer card you sent me arrived exactly when I needed them. My job was unbearable! My boss was going through a lot of personal stress and seemed to take it out on us employees. The night I received the novena, I prayed to St. Anthony to help me endure and intercede to improve the situation. Two days later my boss was reassigned to a new office and I was promoted to supervisor—something I would never have imagined happening. It was truly a miracle from St. Anthony!'



Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Ygnacia's Own Stories - We Both Got Goosebumps

My youngest son takes piano lessons from a wonderful Russian lady. Entering her home this last week for class we found that she had had a very unfortunate loss - payment from earlier students in the amount of $200.00 had been lost. We helped her search her house for it before class, and we continued searching after class. We were about to give up and leave, when I thought I might go out on a limb a bit and say a prayer to St. Anthony.
She is an open person and has a connection with the Russian Orthodox faith, so she is familiar with saints. I told her, "This is what I do when I really can't find something, I pray to St. Anthony, 'Good St. Anthony look around, something's lost and can't be found.' I then do the best I can to retrace my steps, staying open to any feelings that may come to me as to where to look."
Just as I was giving these instructions, she moved toward her kitchen, walked right up to a drawer, pulled it open, and there was the money. We both got goosebumps. She said, "I have never put money in that drawer before, I don't know why I did that."
She is so grateful for having found her money, and I am so grateful that she was shown loving God's care for her, working through the intercession of Good St. Anthony~

Saturday, November 3, 2012

A Novena To St. Anthony Of Padua

O White lily of purity, sublime example of poverty, true mirror of humility, resplendent star of sanctity. O glorious St Anthony, who didst enjoy the sweet privilege of receiving into thy arms the Infant Jesus, I beseech thee to take me under thy powerful protection. Thou in whom the power of working miracles shines forth among the other gifts of God, have pity upon me and come to my aid in this my great need.

(Mention your intentions here).

Cleanse my heart from every disorderly affection, obtain for me a true contrition for my sins and a great love of God and of my neighbor, that serving God faithfully in this life, I may come to praise, enjoy, and bless Him eternally with thee in Paradise. Amen.

Recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.

Pray the Novena once a day for nine days, especially beginning on June 4th. and ending on June 12th., the eve of the Feast of Saint Anthony. Some people pray a Novena to St. Anthony on thirteen consecutive Tuesdays, per the instructions of Pope Leo XIII, or on all Tuesdays.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Prayer By St. Anthony - Mary, Our Queen

Mary, our Queen,
Holy Mother of God,
we beg you to hear our prayer.
Make our hearts overflow with divine grace
and resplendent with heavenly wisdom.
Render them strong with your might
and rich in virtue.
Pour down upon us the gift of mercy
so that we may obtain the pardon of our sins.
Help us to live in such a way
as to merit the glory and bliss of heaven.
May this be granted us by your Son Jesus
who has exalted you above the angels,
has crowned you as Queen,
and has seated you with him
forever on his refulgent throne. Amen.

May Mary Our Queen lead you more perfectly to her son Jesus - Visit here to learn more about the Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Ygnacia's Own Stories - That Crazy Vest

Once more, St. Anthony comes through for me, and thank goodness, because this time I was in a real panic. My youngest son wears a uniform to school - normally it is just the usual blue pants, white shirt thing, but this year they added a sleeveless blue vest, required for special occasions. I bought him a new one, he wore it once, and then it just disappeared. I have looked for it for weeks, over and over again. He was supposed to wear it a few times since the loss, but we slid under the wire without it. Well, this week the sliding was over - the Bishop of our Diocese was coming for his yearly visit, so everyone needed to look their best. I was praying, please St. Anthony, I really am in a spot, please intercede for me to find that crazy vest!
I looked everywhere again, no luck - through all of his drawers, closet, the washroom. Then I thought, I will start looking in the other kid's rooms, just in case. I had done it before, but I thought I would give it a shot again anyway. I went into the first room, a room that is, shall we say, a typical teen's room, far from tidy. I was in there for one minute, praying under my breath, I look down, and there, impossibly, stuck in an old doll crib, was the vest. My relief was, and still is, enormous. When you have a thing like this happen to you, and you know in your heart that it was an impossible find, you know God's Hand in it.
Oh, and to end the story, my son was picked at the last minute to hold a tray of awards for the Bishop for the awards ceremony, in front of the whole school. Without that crazy vest, which is part of his full uniform, he would not have been chosen. Thank you St. Anthony, for your kind and generous help~

Thursday, October 18, 2012

A True Friend In Saint Anthony

I was seven when I learned of St. Anthony. I never gave him much thought until the day I lost my spelling tablet. My teacher, a strict nun, had told the class at the beginning of second grade we were to keep it in our book bag and have it every Friday. When I went home Thursday night, I was beside myself when I found the tablet missing. It was then I decided to ask St. Anthony for help. Terrified, I prayed that night to St. Anthony to find it. The next day, when I opened my desk the first thing I saw was my spelling tablet!
Don't underestimate the power of intercession. Since the episode in second grade, St. Anthony has always come through when I needed his intercession the most. It's been many years since second grade, and now, with maturity, I seem to have annoying senior moments and lose things daily (sometimes hourly). He's there when I need him. When I pray for his help now I'm usually in a panic, so all I can muster is "St. Anthony, if at all possible, I need your help now," and I am in awe of his response time. I will always be grateful for the lost spelling tablet because I found a true friend in St. Anthony.

Thank you P. for sharing how St. Anthony has been a faithful friend to you. Have a story of how St. Anthony has helped in your life? Email it to us and we will post it on the blog~

Monday, October 15, 2012

I Took His Devotion Seriously

I am a educated man who always struggled in my life to find a job. Age was catching with me to get married but no job no money. I have heard of St. Anthony as a kid but never asked him for favors. Until few years back - I took his devotion seriously and asked him favors which he granted me.
Now I have a job and married for few months and planning to have a baby and will name my son Antonio in the honor of the great Saint with whom I am in constant touch on a daily basis. I have put my life into his hands to ask for me to Jesus things which he finds right for me. St. Anthony is for me every thing and I will always pray for him for the rest of my life. Thank you St. Anthony, the world does not know what you mean to me.

Thank you A. for sharing how St. Anthony has helped you over the years. Have a story of how St. Anthony has influenced your life? Email it to us and we will post it on the blog~


Thursday, October 11, 2012

St. Anthony's Prayer For The Help Of The Holy Spirit

O God, send forth your Holy Spirit into my heart that I may perceive, into my mind that I may remember, and into my soul that I may meditate. Inspire me to speak with piety, holiness, tenderness and mercy. Teach, guide and direct my thoughts and senses from beginning to end. May Your grace ever help and correct me, and may I be strengthened now with wisdom from on high, for the sake of Your infinite mercy. Amen.

~St. Anthony of Padua

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

A Medal Of Saint Anthony

All my life, I've had a devotion to Saint Anthony. As a child I would often pray to him for lost articles. I had a medal of Saint Anthony that I wore around my neck. I lost my medal one year on our last visit to the family cottage. I prayed and prayed to him that I would find it. But the time came for us to leave and I still couldn't find my medal. Over the winter I forgot about it, but on our first visit in the spring, there was my medal on a dirt road among the stones!

Thank you L.O. for your great little St. Anthony story~ Have a story of St. Anthony's help in your life to share? Email it to us to post on the blog.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Saint Anthony Quote - Lean On The Cross Of Christ

"Christians must lean on the Cross of Christ just as travelers lean on a staff when they begin a long journey. They must have the Passion of Christ deeply embedded in their minds and hearts, because only from it can they derive peace, grace, and truth.”

-St. Anthony of Padua

Friday, September 28, 2012

Why Does St. Anthony Help People?

We found this great explanation as to why St. Anthony would, does, intercede for all that ask for his help:

I often wonder why St. Anthony is helping people. In the 'Prayers to St. Anthony for the Restoration of Things Lost or Stolen' I have found the answer. The Saint would work for our petitions "if it be to the greater glory of God and to the spiritual benefit of my soul." The granted favors, whether big or small, thus direct our attention to God's glory. As for our souls, he seeks God's blessings in restoring our peace of mind and in banishing anxiety - a major obstacle to our spiritual health.

A friend questioned me: "Why would a great Saint and a Doctor of the Church go into a petty task like seeking for a lost article?" Without a doubt, St. Anthony showed us his humility and enthusiasm in winning souls for God. In helping others and leading them to Christ, we should learn from the Saint that nothing is too small or too trivial. We should gladly welcome every opportunity - no matter how little - to show that we all are truly God's children.
(Source: www.catholicplanet.com)

Thank you Lord Jesus for giving us the Saints, our elder brothers and sisters in the Faith, those that have already tread the path and know the way, to intercede for us and help us reach our heavenly home with You~

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Free St. Anthony Prayer Request Card

Do you wish to receive the card used in the Basilica of St. Anthony in Padua, Italy, at home and free of charge, in order to write your own prayer intention or messages to Saint Anthony? Click here to visit Saint Anthony’s Franciscan Friar's website to fill out the form for a free prayer request card.

The Franciscan Friars will take all the cards received to Saint Anthony's tomb. In addition, the Friars will pray for you and with you, that God may grant you the assistance you need through the intercession of Saint Anthony.


You can send the card you receive to this address:

Caro Sant'Antonio
Basilica del Santo
Via Orto Botanico 11
35123 PADOVA - ITALY

Prefer to send your prayer request via email? Click here for more information. If you would like to share any prayers answered through Saint Anthony's intercession, please email them to us to post on our blog~

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Saint Anthony Quote - The Grace To Seek His Kingdom

“Let us therefore pray to our Lord Jesus Christ that he give us the grace to seek His Kingdom and to build within ourselves a moral Jerusalem. By doing this, we will be able to merit our place in the heavenly Jerusalem to sing Alleluia in its streets with all the saints and angels. But the One whose Kingdom is eternal for all ages must help us to do so.”

-St. Anthony of Padua

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Prayer To St. Anthony - Ask Our Lady

Good St. Anthony, you were ever blessed with a deep affection for Our Lady, Queen of Heaven. Help me to imitate your own dedication to the Mother of God. May the Blessed Virgin Mary protect me amid the perils of life, assist me in my present needs, and at the hour of death. Please offer in her honor the prayers I make to you. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be...

Friday, September 7, 2012

She Had Lost Hope

My brother died just a week after his 29th birthday. My sister and I decided a couple of weeks later to get my father a statue of Jesus to remind him of my brother. We looked all over for a nice statue of Jesus, but didn't find any that we liked. Finally giving up we went to one last store and saw a statue of Saint Anthony and we felt compelled to buy it. It seemed pretty random to us that we we buying a St. Anthony statue, given the fact that he was the patron saint of lost and found items, yet still we felt the need to buy it and give it to our father to help him with the loss of our brother. This next part is where the story makes sense... My Sister-In-Law had been grieving tremendously over the loss of my brother. They had been together for over 10 years, and they just had a beautiful baby girl that was only a little over 2 months when my brother passed away.

My Sister-In-Law told me to sit down because she had to tell me something that had happened to her. She told me that she had been crying a lot and just praying for God to help her through this. She calmed down and went to give her daughter a bath, when she came back into the baby's room, she saw something in the crib. Now, nothing is ever in the crib because its dangerous for babies to have items in their crib because they can choke on things, and no one lives with her so it was weird that something was in the crib because no one could have dropped anything in the crib. She went over and picked up the small object and first noticed it was a very old medal - it looked worn, like someone had been rubbing on it with their fingers. Then she read the inscription, and it was a Saint Anthony medal. She began to cry because the medal was directly laid on the spot where she lies her baby down to sleep. She knew this was the works of God. She went to her Priest and told him about the medal and he told her that it is without a doubt a sign from God. My Sister-In-Law said at first she didn't understand, why Saint Anthony? But then she realized, he helps find lost things... and since her husband died, Saint Anthony is helping her find her hope - and not just her, he is helping my whole family find hope again. Now that is an amazing story of miracles and faith and the power of God !!

Thank you Maria for this beautiful story of hope, lost and found. Have a story of your own to share with our readers? Email it to us and we will post it on our blog~

Friday, August 31, 2012

A Ride Home Found, A Staue Lost

Every morning before he opened up his restaurant for the day, John Evangelista would pause before the St. Anthony of Padua statue in front of his home and say a prayer. "It's just something I did every day at 4:30 a.m.," said the 78-year-old "It was a ritual." However, over the past few days, Mr. Evangelista has had some medical issues and had not made the short trip from his home to his restaurant, so he didn't know that somebody had stolen his cherished 2-foot statue from his front yard. Mr. Evangelista, a Catholic, learned about the theft when his daughter stopped by his home to drop off some food. "I was just heartbroken about it," he said. Mr. Evangelista has had other statues stolen before, including a baby Jesus that was part of a Nativity display. But the recent theft deeply affected him because of the statue's sentimental value and his close spiritual relationship to the Franciscan Catholic priest preacher and teacher, known for helping to find lost things for people who pray to him.
The story goes back 55 years ago, when Mr. Evangelista was an Army corporal assigned to Fort Dix in New Jersey. He had planned to come home to Worcester for a weekend, but when he arrived at the bus station in New York City he discovered that he was a dollar short and couldn't buy a ticket. "I just sat there and prayed, `St. Anthony, please help me find a dollar because I really want to go home,'" he recalled. "All my Army friends had the weekend off and I wanted to be in Worcester." Amazingly, a street person happened by and, unsolicited, gave him the money. "He apparently noticed my uniform and he told me that I was doing a good job," said Mr. Evangelista. "He gave me the money and told me to buy a drink."
Instead, Mr. Evangelista bought a ticket and headed north.
He later told the story to a priest friend, who often used the tale when preaching about faith to his congregants. The priest bought him the concrete statue.
"I've never forgotten that guy at the bus station," said Mr. Evangelista. "I pray for him from time to time, or I'll light a candle for him in church." Mr. Evangelista said the encounter taught him never to turn his back on somebody in need. "That's why, when I see I guy who looks like he's out of luck, I'll give him a buck or two for a bowl of soup or whatever," said Mr. Evangelista. He said the statue really isn't worth anything but he'd like it back.
"I'll take it, no questions asked," he said.


We thank Mr. Evangelista for his beautiful story of finding a ride home, thanks to the intersession of St. Anthony, we pray that through that same intersession his statue is found and returned~

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Saint Anthony Quote - The Gate Of Heaven

"The Blessed Virgin Mary is our hope, the gate of heaven and the door of Paradise. She is the mediatress who remade peace between God and the sinner."
-- Saint Anthony of Padua

May our mediatress, the Blessed Virgin Mary, help lead you more perfectly toward God - Become a 'Devout Client' of the Blessed Virgin Mary - To learn more about the Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary visit here

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Lost And Found Essay

In honor of all of those that will be starting school soon, here is a story from Martha regarding a lost and found school paper, found with the help of Good St. Anthony

When I was in high school I was very unmotivated to say the least. Sr. Martina was my religion teacher and I was failing her class. She told me to write a 1500 word essay and have it to her by Monday and she would pass me with a C. So I wrote the essay. I honestly spent all weekend doing it. When I went to school Monday it wasn't in my bag. She asked me for it and I told her I lost it and she didn't believe me. I cried I swore I wrote the essay and she told me to pray to St. Anthony. I did that and closing prayer for the day I put papers in my book bag and there first page in my notebook was the paper. I was so exited I went straight to Sr. Martina and told her. She made me a believer and now I'm a devout Catholic.
BTW - Sr. Martina I'm now in nursing school. It took me ten years since High School but I still remember you. St. Anthony has never let me down.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

The Results Were Profound

Several years back, when my daughter was quite young she got it into her head to attempt "to grow diamonds" by planting my wife's wedding ring into a potted plant. Once my wife discovered it was missing she questioned her, but she had simply forgotten about it. Weeks went by and my wife turned the house upside down looking for it, she was distraught after five or six weeks of looking before she finally broke down in tears revealing it to me. I tried consoling her, assuring her that ring was simply symbolic and could be replaced. Later on, I suggested; Why not try saying a prayer to St. Anthony...What have you got to lose? She did so that night. The very next day she was unable to find her watering can for the houseplants which she had been watering daily, so instead she used an empty ice-cream pail...the first plant she watered, the water came out quicker than she expected making a large hole in the dirt, as the water dissipated into the soil the wedding ring rose to the top of the surface revealing itself.

Now I can fully understand the skeptic considering this nothing but coincidence, but for the believer the results were profound.

Friday, August 10, 2012

A Christmas Find

My husband was not brought up to give gifts. A few years ago he had his sister-in-law pick out a diamond ring for me. That ring meant the world to me and I lost it just before Christmas. I hunted the house with a fine-tooth comb. Afraid to tell him I'd lost it I prayed to St Anthony many times, and then, on Christmas day, I found it on the floor under my desk. Thank you, St Anthony, I will honor you always and spread your name.

Thank you M.M. for you story of St. Anthony's help in finding your ring. Have a story of your own to share? Email us and we will post for others to read and be inspired by.

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Saint Anthony Quote - Human Life Is Similar To A Bridge

“Human life is similar to a bridge and a bridge is made for crossing and not for remaining upon.”

- St. Anthony of Padua

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Send A Virtual Saint Anthony Postcard

The Companions of St. Anthony, a ministry of the St. Anthony of Padua Province of the Conventual Franciscan Friars, offer a free virtual postcard via their website. Click here to send one to family or friends.


Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Saint Anthony Quote - Confession Is The Gate Of Heaven

“Confession is the gate of Heaven. O truly the gate of Heaven and the gate of Paradise, since through it the penitent is invited to kiss the feet, hands and face of God: the feet of His mercy, the hands of His grace and the face of His pardon. O house of God, O gate of Heaven, O confession! Blessed is he who dwells in you! Blessed is he who humbles himself in you! Humble yourselves therefore dearest brethren, and enter through this mystical gate.”

- St. Anthony of Padua

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

A Student's Prayer To St. Anthony

St. Anthony, you distinguished yourself for truly human and Christian wisdom, I entrust my studies to your guidance. You know how important they are for my life and what commitment they require of me: may your intersession grant me a firm will to apply myself with constancy, the intelligence to penetrate the depths of my studies, and a strong memory to recall and use all that I have been taught. May my education be an arena of life where I may learn together with human knowledge the teachings of the Gospel. Through your help, may I continue and conclude successfully my studies, and thus be of better service to God and humankind. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be...

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Dedicating Your Week to St. Anthony of Padua

Sunday
Prayer: God, our heavenly Father, please give me a living, active faith in Your providence such as You gave St. Anthony. My will is so weak, and my good resolutions very feeble unless You strengthen them by the help of good St. Anthony. May his powerful aid make me a true disciple of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Reflection: A firm, unfailing faith is shown, and increased, by performing in God's honor works of kindness and mercy to those we encounter.
Practice: Learn today to rely, as St. Anthony did, on God's love and protection.


Monday
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Father, I adore You as my Creator and Saviour. In my necessity I turn to You but, because my sins and failings are so many, I enlist the aid of good St. Anthony who loved You so generously. May his merits and good works secure for me what my own unworthiness cannot expect.
Reflection: We imitate St. Anthony, as he imitated our Lord, by having pity on those we know who need our understanding, support and approval.
Practice: Pray today that Christ's kingdom may come, and that all who have gone astray may be converted to Him and live.


Tuesday
Prayer: Lord God, the Sanctifier, come now to my assistance. Please fill me with the flame of Your love. I acknowledge with sorrow how often I have been ungenerous, and have resisted Your inspiration. Now, with the help of good St. Anthony, and imitating his example, may I make a new beginning, and change my life.
Reflection: The Spirit of God is not in contention or strife, but is marked by peace and joy. Reflect this inner gladness today in moments of stress, and help the Spirit radiate to those near you.
Practice: Seek for a chance to do good to someone you like least.


Wednesday
Prayer: Most Holy Trinity, One God, let me never forget Your goodness. Help me to trust You more than I have ever done before. Please teach me through the example of St. Anthony how I may best serve You in the future. May his prayers secure for me the help I need.
Reflection: Your hope in the Holy Trinity rests on the promises of Christ, and on His merits rather than on your own resources. That is why St. Anthony wishes you to give your heart to God alone.
Practice: Ask St. Anthony to help you abandon yourself completely to God's provident care for this day.


Thursday
Prayer: Good St. Anthony, I admit my weaknesses to you, my instability, and my many needs. How difficult it is for me to pray with the faith and trust I should have! Please come to my aid now, and secure for me the help I require to be more frequent, fervent, and faithful in my prayers to God, our blessed Lady, and all the saints.
Reflection: To pray profitably to God we must do so with complete attention and childlike confidence that He loves, listens, and responds.
Practice: Even if you can find no words to say, at least raise your mind and heart to God today. St. Anthony will help you.


Friday
Prayer: Glorious St. Anthony, I am still drawn to the things of this world. Despite my promises, how half-hearted I still am! With all God's goodness to me, and with the many proofs I've had of His love, how often I hesitate and doubt Him! Please procure for me some of your own steadfastness and determination to resist evil and do good.
Reflection: There is one prayer to God that never fails. When we admit our littleness and ask an increase of His love, God will always give this grace to us.
Practice: Join St. Anthony in repeated acts of love of God today. Simply say often, "My God, I love You."


Saturday
Prayer: Good St. Anthony, I know you will help me even when I hesitate in God's work. Please help me to simplify my intentions, and purify my affections as you did in life so that I may fulfill God's purpose in my own.
Reflection: Though we all have many intentions, it is good to subject them all to God's will for us, and submit all our desires to His loving purpose. God will never refuse us any favor unless in some way it may prove harmful.
Practice: For this single day, give honor to St. Anthony by putting God's interest first in everything.



~~from "Dedicating the Week to St. Anthony of Padua," published by Franciscan Mission Assoc.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Turn To Saint Anthony

Immediately upon praying to St. Anthony for help , the lens to my glasses was found by my granddaughter. I am hoping this encourages my grandchildren to turn to St. Anthony for assistance in times of loss, he has never failed me!

Thank you M for this little story of Saint Anthony's help.
Have a story of your own to share on our blog? Email us to have it posted~

Thursday, July 5, 2012

St. Anthony Helps St. Joseph

When something is lost, you should say a prayer to St. Anthony to help you find it. When you want to sell your house, some say you should bury a statue of St. Joseph upside down in your front yard, facing your house, near the for sale sign. You didn't know that? Well, now you do.

After the house sells, you are supposed to dig up poor upside down St. Joseph and place him in a place of honor in your new home. When we got to my son Cory's house yesterday to pack it up, one of the first things we wanted to do was find St. Joseph. Cory remembered where they put him in relation to the for sale sign, but the realtor had moved the sign.

My sister Bonnie and I fooled around out there for a while, but couldn't find anything. Bonnie said, "We need to call mom and tell her to pray to St. Anthony to help us find St. Joseph." Made sense to me.

Bonnie and I eventually gave up. Later that afternoon, Cory walked into the living room smiling, with the little St. Joseph statue in his hand. He sort of remembered where they had buried the statue and went right to the spot and found it.

Cory went to give the little statue to Bonnie who was sitting on the floor. Bonnie missed it, St. Joseph fell and bounced once, flew a couple of inches in the air, flipped over and landed on his feet...his tiny little feet...on carpet.

Cory said, "I guess he's tired of being upside down."

Thank you missneworleans blog for this fun little St. Anthony and St. Joseph combo story~

Monday, July 2, 2012

Submit A Prayer Petition And Light A Candle

The help of St. Anthony is universally sought to find what has been lost. His assistance is not limited to finding "lost car keys," but includes the finding of lost health, lost love through death, lost peace of mind, lost faith, or a loss particular to you. You are invited to share your prayer requests with the Conventual Franciscan Friars of the Shrine of St. Anthony in Maryland, and they will pray for your intentions.
Click here to visit their site, to request prayer and light a candle.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Saint Anthony Quote - The Gate Of Heaven Is Low

“The gate of Heaven is low and those who wish to enter must bend down: this was taught to us by Jesus Himself, Who when dying, bowed His head.”

- St. Anthony of Padua

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

The Miraculous Responsory of Saint Anthony by St. Bonaventure

As today is the Feast of our beloved St. Anthony, and the one year anniversary of our blog dedicated to his honor, we post the Miraculous Responsory of Saint Anthony by St. Bonaventure. To hear this beautiful prayer set to music, click here.

If then you ask for miracles,
Death, error, all calamities,
The leprosy and demons fly,
And health succeeds infirmities.

Chorus:
The sea obeys, and fetters break,
And lifeless limbs thou dost restore,
Whilst treasures lost are found again,
When young and old thine aid implore.

All dangers vanish at thy prayer,
And direst need doth quickly flee;
Let those who know thy power proclaim,
Let Paduans say: "These are of thee."

Chorus:
The sea obeys, and fetters break,
And lifeless limbs thou dost restore,
Whilst treasures lost are found again,
When young and old thine aid implore.

To Father, Son, may glory be,
And Holy Ghost eternally.

Chorus:
The sea obeys, and fetters break,
And lifeless limbs thou dost restore,
Whilst treasures lost are found again,
When young and old thine aid implore.

V/Pray for us, St. Anthony,
R/That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray.
O God! May the votive commemoration of St. Anthony, Thy Confessor and Doctor, be a source of joy to Thy Church, that she may always be fortified with spiritual assistance and may deserve to possess eternal joy. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Click here for a Chaplet of St. Anthony in honor of the thirteen favors mentioned in the “Miraculous Responsory".

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

9 Day Novena To Saint Anthony of Padua - Day 9

O wonderful St. Anthony, glorious on account of the fame of your miracles, and through the condescension of Jesus in coming in the form of a little child to rest in your arms, obtain for me of His bounty the grace which I ardently desire from the depths of my heart. (State your intention) You who were so compassionate toward sinners, regard not the unworthiness of those who pray to you, but the glory of God that it may once again be magnified by the granting of the particular request(State your intention) which I now ask for with persevering earnestness. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be..., in honor of Saint Anthony.

Saint Anthony, servant of Mary, glory of the Church, pray for our Holy Father, our bishops, our priests, our Religious Orders, that, through their pious zeal and apostolic labors, all may be united in faith and give greater glory to God. St. Anthony, helper of all who invoke you, pray for me and intercede for me before the throne of Almighty God that I be granted the favor I so earnestly seek in this novena (State your intention).

CONCLUDING PRAYER - O God, may the votive commemoration of blessed Anthony, Your confessor, be a source of joy to Your Church, that she may always be fortified with spiritual assistance, and deserve to enjoy eternal rewards. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Monday, June 11, 2012

9 Day Novena To Saint Anthony of Padua - Day 8

O wonderful St. Anthony, glorious on account of the fame of your miracles, and through the condescension of Jesus in coming in the form of a little child to rest in your arms, obtain for me of His bounty the grace which I ardently desire from the depths of my heart. (State your intention) You who were so compassionate toward sinners, regard not the unworthiness of those who pray to you, but the glory of God that it may once again be magnified by the granting of the particular request(State your intention) which I now ask for with persevering earnestness. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be..., in honor of Saint Anthony.

O holy St. Anthony, you have shown yourself so powerful in your intercession, so tender and so compassionate towards those who honor you and invoke you in suffering and distress. I beseech you most humbly and earnestly to take me under your protection in my present necessities and to obtain for me the favor I desire (State your intention). Recommend my request to the merciful Queen of Heaven, that she may plead my cause with you before the throne of her Divine Son.

CONCLUDING PRAYER - O God, may the votive commemoration of blessed Anthony, Your confessor, be a source of joy to Your Church, that she may always be fortified with spiritual assistance, and deserve to enjoy eternal rewards. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sunday, June 10, 2012

9 Day Novena To Saint Anthony of Padua - Day 7

O wonderful St. Anthony, glorious on account of the fame of your miracles, and through the condescension of Jesus in coming in the form of a little child to rest in your arms, obtain for me of His bounty the grace which I ardently desire from the depths of my heart. (State your intention) You who were so compassionate toward sinners, regard not the unworthiness of those who pray to you, but the glory of God that it may once again be magnified by the granting of the particular request(State your intention) which I now ask for with persevering earnestness. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be..., in honor of Saint Anthony.

O renowned champion of the faith of Christ, most holy St. Anthony, glorious for your many miracles, obtain for me from the bounty of my Lord and God the grace which I ardently seek in this novena (State your intention) . O holy St. Anthony, ever attentive to those who invoke you, grant me that aid of your powerful intercession.

CONCLUDING PRAYER - O God, may the votive commemoration of blessed Anthony, Your confessor, be a source of joy to Your Church, that she may always be fortified with spiritual assistance, and deserve to enjoy eternal rewards. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

9 Day Novena To Saint Anthony of Padua - Day 6

O wonderful St. Anthony, glorious on account of the fame of your miracles, and through the condescension of Jesus in coming in the form of a little child to rest in your arms, obtain for me of His bounty the grace which I ardently desire from the depths of my heart. (State your intention) You who were so compassionate toward sinners, regard not the unworthiness of those who pray to you, but the glory of God that it may once again be magnified by the granting of the particular request(State your intention) which I now ask for with persevering earnestness. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be..., in honor of Saint Anthony.

O glorious St. Anthony, chosen by God to preach his Word, you received from Him the gift of tongues and the power of working the most extraordinary miracles. O good St. Anthony, pray that I may fulfill the will of God in all things so that I may love Him, with you, for all eternity. O kind St. Anthony, I beseech you, obtain for me the grace that I desire, the favor I seek in this novena (State your intention).

CONCLUDING PRAYER - O God, may the votive commemoration of blessed Anthony, Your confessor, be a source of joy to Your Church, that she may always be fortified with spiritual assistance, and deserve to enjoy eternal rewards. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Friday, June 8, 2012

9 Day Novena To Saint Anthony of Padua - Day 5

O wonderful St. Anthony, glorious on account of the fame of your miracles, and through the condescension of Jesus in coming in the form of a little child to rest in your arms, obtain for me of His bounty the grace which I ardently desire from the depths of my heart. (State your intention) You who were so compassionate toward sinners, regard not the unworthiness of those who pray to you, but the glory of God that it may once again be magnified by the granting of the particular request(State your intention) which I now ask for with persevering earnestness. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be..., in honor of Saint Anthony.

I salute you, St. Anthony, lily of purity, ornament and glory of Christianity. I salute you, great Saint, cherub of wisdom and seraph of divine love. I rejoice at the favors our Lord has so liberally bestowed upon you. In humility and confidence I entreat you to help me, for I know that God has given you charity and pity, as well as power. I ask you by the love you did feel toward the Infant Jesus as you held him in your arms to tell Him now of the favor I seek through your intercession in this novena (State your intention).

CONCLUDING PRAYER - O God, may the votive commemoration of blessed Anthony, Your confessor, be a source of joy to Your Church, that she may always be fortified with spiritual assistance, and deserve to enjoy eternal rewards. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

9 Day Novena To Saint Anthony of Padua - Day 4

O wonderful St. Anthony, glorious on account of the fame of your miracles, and through the condescension of Jesus in coming in the form of a little child to rest in your arms, obtain for me of His bounty the grace which I ardently desire from the depths of my heart. (State your intention) You who were so compassionate toward sinners, regard not the unworthiness of those who pray to you, but the glory of God that it may once again be magnified by the granting of the particular request(State your intention) which I now ask for with persevering earnestness. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be..., in honor of Saint Anthony.

I salute and honor you, O powerful helper, St. Anthony. The Christian world confidently turns to you and experiences your tender compassion and powerful assistance in so many necessities and sufferings, that I am encouraged in my need to seek you help in obtaining a favorable answer to my request for the favor I seek in this novena (State your intention). O holy St. Anthony, I beseech you, obtain for me the grace that I desire.

CONCLUDING PRAYER - O God, may the votive commemoration of blessed Anthony, Your confessor, be a source of joy to Your Church, that she may always be fortified with spiritual assistance, and deserve to enjoy eternal rewards. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

9 Day Novena To Saint Anthony of Padua - Day 3

O wonderful St. Anthony, glorious on account of the fame of your miracles, and through the condescension of Jesus in coming in the form of a little child to rest in your arms, obtain for me of His bounty the grace which I ardently desire from the depths of my heart. (State your intention) You who were so compassionate toward sinners, regard not the unworthiness of those who pray to you, but the glory of God that it may once again be magnified by the granting of the particular request(State your intention) which I now ask for with persevering earnestness. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be..., in honor of Saint Anthony.

O purest St. Anthony, who through your angelic virtue was made worthy to be caressed by the Divine Child Jesus, to hold him in your arms and press him to your heart. I entreat you to cast a benevolent glance upon me. O glorious St. Anthony, born under the protection of Mary Immaculate, on the Feast of her Assumption into Heaven, and consecrated to her and now so powerful an intercessor in Heaven, I beseech you to obtain for me the favor I ask in this novena (State your intention). O great wonder-worker, intercede for me that God may grant my request.

CONCLUDING PRAYER - O God, may the votive commemoration of blessed Anthony, Your confessor, be a source of joy to Your Church, that she may always be fortified with spiritual assistance, and deserve to enjoy eternal rewards. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

9 Day Novena To Saint Anthony of Padua - Day 2

O wonderful St. Anthony, glorious on account of the fame of your miracles, and through the condescension of Jesus in coming in the form of a little child to rest in your arms, obtain for me of His bounty the grace which I ardently desire from the depths of my heart. (State your intention) You who were so compassionate toward sinners, regard not the unworthiness of those who pray to you, but the glory of God that it may once again be magnified by the granting of the particular request(State your intention) which I now ask for with persevering earnestness. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be..., in honor of Saint Anthony.

Miracle-working St. Anthony, remember that it never has been heard that you left without help or relief anyone who in his need had recourse to you. Animated now with the most lively confidence, even with full conviction of not being refused, I fly for refuge to thee, O most favored friend of the Infant Jesus. O eloquent preacher of the divine mercy, despise not my supplications but, bringing them before the throne of God, strengthen them by your intercession and obtain for me the favor I seek in this novena (State your intention).

CONCLUDING PRAYER - O God, may the votive commemoration of blessed Anthony, Your confessor, be a source of joy to Your Church, that she may always be fortified with spiritual assistance, and deserve to enjoy eternal rewards. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Monday, June 4, 2012

9 Day Novena To Saint Anthony of Padua - Day 1

O wonderful St. Anthony, glorious on account of the fame of your miracles, and through the condescension of Jesus in coming in the form of a little child to rest in your arms, obtain for me of His bounty the grace which I ardently desire from the depths of my heart. (State your intention) You who were so compassionate toward sinners, regard not the unworthiness of those who pray to you, but the glory of God that it may once again be magnified by the granting of the particular request(State your intention) which I now ask for with persevering earnestness. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be..., in honor of Saint Anthony.

O holy St. Anthony, gentlest of saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures made you worthy while on earth to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me the favor I seek in this novena (State your intention). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle; even so, you are the saint of miracles. O gentle and loving Saint Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the gratitude of my heart will always be yours.

CONCLUDING PRAYER - O God, may the votive commemoration of blessed Anthony, Your confessor, be a source of joy to Your Church, that she may always be fortified with spiritual assistance, and deserve to enjoy eternal rewards. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

I Try So Hard To Believe


About three weeks ago I was searching for my daughter's social security card as she was recently hired at a new job. My wife and I looked and looked ... it was not in the "usual" place, and the last time we had needed it was three years ago. While searching I recalled the previous times St. Anthony had helped me -- finding a lost wrench to a locking lug nut, helping a stranger find a lost St. Christopher medal on the bike path, lost keys, etc. Now, though, I was aware I had a particular reluctance to pray to St. Anthony -- I told myself that I didn't want to bother him this time, but secretly I was afraid that after praying I wouldn't find it, and I was afraid I would begin to doubt ...

My daughter was getting anxious, and so I reluctantly said the prayer, "Dear St. Anthony, please come around ..." As I was saying the prayer, I knew in my heart I would not find it this time, at least not while shuffling through a stack of casino points cards on my wife's recently-cleaned dresser. I finished the prayer expecting little or nothing, but was entirely unprepared for what came next. Not one minute, not one second, but literally a fraction of a second after I finished the prayer a single card slipped out from the stack.

For the next five minutes I was reduced to tears on the bedroom floor. You see, you'd have to really know me -- especially these days -- to understand. Right now amidst my trials, I try so hard to believe but it is sometimes so hard to believe. God bless St. Anthony; in his simple act of helping me at that very moment he helped me to understand the reality of God's immediate presence in a way I have never before been able. May I ever increase my gratitude and devotion to this special saint and servant of God.

We are always so grateful for the truly inspiring stories of Saint Anthony's help that our readers send to us to share with the world - thank you to T.W. for one of the best, most heartfelt we have received. Please pass it on to anyone you know that needs an increase in faith in God's generous and loving care~

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

St. Anthony's Relics in Austalia, Singapore, and Canada in 2013


This June 2012, two friars from the Basilica of St. Anthony in Padua, Italy, are bringing a relic of Saint Anthony to two very different parts of the world. Fr. Mario Conte is visiting Australia and Singapore, delivering various sermons in the process. At the same time, Fr. Paolo Floretta is making a pilgrimage of his own in Canada.

Click here to visit the Franciscan Friar's website and view their respective programs and schedules with St. Anthony's relics.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

St. Anthony Quote - If We Want To Have Our Own Way

"For if we want to have our own way always, aren't we really seeking our reward here below in the things of this life? Let us couple patience and long-suffering in the spirit of meekness and faith, and so bring forth fruit in patience."

-St. Anthony of Padua

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Prayer to St. Anthony for Emotional Healing

St. Anthony, dear friend and heavenly guide, be present to me now, and let me know your compassion. Pray to our dear Lord for me, that I may experience calmness and peace in my emotions. Help me to grow in faith and hope. Protect me from all that displeases God, and obtain for me serenity of mind and spirit. I place all my confidence in you, St. Anthony, and I pray for mercy, grace, and God's gentle goodness. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be...

Thursday, May 17, 2012

How Generous Of St. Anthony

Allow me to say from experience that St. Anthony’s prayers for lost things are powerful. Here’s an example:
Saturday night was my very last ballet performance ever. I was back stage getting ready for our final number – a black light dance wherein all of the dancers wore white gloves, white socks, and white masks – when suddenly I felt the hushed silence of sheer panic fill the dressing room. One of the other dancers in the number was missing a sock. Since black light dances are dependent on having each dancer being completely identical (and thus, unrecognizable), this simply wouldn’t do. The only option was to find that sock. The moment I found out what was wrong, I began begging St. Anthony for his prayers and asking Jesus from the bottom of my heart to heed our prayers, while simultaneously tearing the dressing room apart searching for the missing sock. Meanwhile, the number before ours was in full swing – we had about a minute and a half for this miracle to happen. With a solid 50 seconds to spare, I spotted the sock in the least logical place imaginable, several feet away from where we were all expecting it to be. We still have no idea how it got there. And I have no doubt that the the only reason I found it was because of the tenderness of God aroused by he prayers of St. Anthony on our behalf.
Yes, I realize it was only a sock. But how sweet that our Lord cares for us so much as to even help us find our lost socks, our car keys, a parking space. And how generous of St. Anthony to spend his heaven faithfully praying for such humble things.

Have a story of St. Anthony's help in your life, big or small? Email it to us and we will post it on our blog~

Monday, May 14, 2012

A Daily Prayer To Saint Anthony

We recommended this short prayer be said to Saint Anthony daily:

May he intercede for us, O Lord, Your holy confessor St. Anthony, upon whom, adorned with heroic virtues, You did bestow the gift of miracles, even unto working prodigious signs and wonders. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sancte Antoni, ora pro nobis~

Friday, May 11, 2012

Saint Anthony Quote - Earthly Riches Are Like The Reed

"Earthly riches are like the reed. Its roots are sunk in the swamp, and its exterior is fair to behold; but inside it is hollow. If a man leans on such a reed, it will snap off and pierce his soul."

-St. Anthony of Padua

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Prayer To St. Anthony For Peace Of Mind

Most dear and faithful servant of Christ, blessed St. Anthony, to whom God has granted such favors that, through thy intercession, lost temporal goods are recovered, pray for me that I may acquire and preserve peace of mind, with light and knowledge to discern good from evil and truth from error, so that being delivered from all evil scruples, darkness and uneasiness of mind and conscience, I may faithfully serve my God and Savior, Who is worthy of all honor and glory, with peace of mind, purity of conscience, and justice of life. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be...

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Saint Anthony's Brief - A Powerful Prayer Against The Powers Of Evil

Thousands make a practice of wearing on their persons a copy of the famous Brief of St. Anthony, in order to gain his powerful protection against dangers to soul and body.



Tradition from the 14th. century relates that a woman in Lisbon, Portugal, was tempted by the devil to take her life. She had a dream in which she heard comforting words from St. Anthony, and on awakening discovered this prayer. She used this prayer, known today as "St. Anthony's Brief [or Blessing]," to overcome temptations. The Church once incorporated this prayer against the powers of evil in its ritual for an exorcism.
I myself recently purchased this cross with St. Anthony's Brief inscribed on the back.



If you are interested in purchasing this powerful sacramental for yourself or a loved one, click here they are inexpensive and made in the Holy Land~

If you would like a free printable version of the St. Anthony's Brief used above, click here visit to CatholicTradition.org

Sunday, April 29, 2012

I Believe In St. Anthony

I have always admired St. Anthony and wear the St. Anthony medal often. My story about his help finding a lost object is still awesome to me.

My husband had gone to buy groceries and when he got home he noticed his diamond ring was missing from his left hand. I was very upset as this ring is very valuable monetarily, as well as sentimentally. I went back to the store and looked every where, especially through the vegetable area. I reported the loss to the manager of the store and to the young man that usually took care of the vegetable area. I didn't find the ring so I went home and started praying for St. Anthony's help. I prayed for a whole week. We were thrilled beyond words when the store called, after a week of the loss, to tell us they found the ring. My husband went to retrieve his lost ring. The young man that took care of the vegetables found the ring while cleaning out a turnip green bin. My husband offered him a nice money award but the young man would not take it. Thank you again dear God for answering St. Anthony's intersession for us. This is absolutely a true story.

Another strange thing happened many years earlier about this same ring. My husband had noticed one of the diamonds was missing from this ring. It has 4 diamonds in the center. I started praying to St. Anthony, and we could hardly believe it when my husband found that diamond in the car door handle. I believe in St. Anthony, to say the least.

Thank you to our blog reader D.C. for these inspiring stories of St. Anthony's intersession~

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Images Of St. Anthony - Church Window From Hollister, California

Here is a picture I took at a church local to me, Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hollister, California.



Do you have any pictures of Saint Anthony that you would like to share on the blog? Let us know where your pictures comes from~ Click here to email them to us.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

I Lost It Again

It was Ash Wednesday, 2011, and I was at Mass. I prayed for the intercession of Saint Anthony to help me find a lost document. I had turned my car upside down looking for it (the last place it had been seen). After Mass, I returned to work, sat down and proceeded to get back to my computer. Suddenly, I felt this urge, so I followed it - I went back to my car, opened the back door, and reached under the far seat, and there it was! I sat in silence for a few moments, and then went back to work, giving thanks.

Well, a few weeks ago, I realised that I had misplaced the document, AGAIN. Once again, it was found, and then promptly lost. So, yesterday, March 12, 2012, I came home for lunch and there it was in my mailbox. Poor Saint Anthony must be getting sick of me asking for his help! I am eternally grateful for his intercession.


Thank you to stanthony.org for this story~

Saturday, April 21, 2012

St. Anthony Quote - We Have Followed You

In a sermon St. Anthony said of God: "For You we have left everything and have become poor. But since You are rich, we have followed You that You might enrich us... We have followed You as the creature follows the Creator, like sons of the Father, as children follow their mother, as the starving their bread, as the sick their doctor, as the weary their bed, as exiles their homeland..." (Sermones, II, p. 484)

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

We Found The Cheque

I converted to Catholicism this Easter. I read this morning in the book "My Life With The Saints" about St. Anthony, the patron saint of lost things. Today at work my workmate lost a cheque worth Kshs 50,000. I prayed, "St. Anthony, St. Anthony, come around, something is lost and cannot be found" as I had read in the book. I prayed it twice or thrice. In about 5 minutes, we found the cheque. Had we not found it, he would have been required to pay for it. He thanked me, but I told him to thank St. Anthony. Thank you, St. Anthony!!!

Thank you to Barbara of Nairobi, Kenya for this inspiring St. Anthony story from AmericanCatholic.org~

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Prayer To St. Anthony For Healing Of A Spouse

O Glorious St. Anthony, you live now in unity with Jesus Christ, the Divine Physician and the healer of all human ills. I come to you today to ask for your powerful intercession on behalf of my beloved spouse (mention name), who seeks to be restored to good health. The years we have shared, and the love we have known, is precious to me, and my heart breaks in my helplessness. But I believe that with the Lord all things are possible. Compassionate Saint, comfort me in my distress, and through your intersession obtain blessings for my spouse, so that (name) may be quickly and completely restored to health. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be...

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Images Of St. Anthony - Ygnacia's Own Shrine

My blog partner and I thought it would be a good idea to post pictures of St. Anthony sent to us from our readers - pictures of statues, stained glass windows, any inspiring images you may find of St. Anthony that you would like to share.

To start things off, here is a picture of my personal shrine to St. Anthony, from my garden.




Send us your pictures of St. Anthony, click here to email us.

Friday, April 13, 2012

I Too Was Lost

Then last night I decided, for some strange reason to update the SATNAV navigation device for my car, as the last time I used it had problems getting proper directions. Now, I have an absolutely appalling sense of direction and frequently get lost so the SATNAV is a Godsend for me. I left it to my son to do the update while I cooked dinner, but he failed to backup before he started and then discovered afterwards that it would not do anything. As it was late in the evening I took the decision to just leave it to wear it's battery down and try again in the morning.

As I prepared for bed I shot off a quick prayer to St. Anthony to help us fix it. When I arose this morning my son greeted me by waving the SATNAV at me with a grin a mile wide. He had fixed it, I have no idea how and I am not too sure he does, but it works and that is the main point. I thanked him and then as I sat down to breakfast I said a prayer of thanks to St. Anthony. The children looked at me in askance, “You can’t pray to St. Anthony to fix broken things” they said. My reply was that I had and that it had obviously worked, and besides it wasn’t just any old broken thing, without it I was in severe danger of getting lost, them with me too I might add, so therefore my prayer to St. Anthony was totally justified.

They remain unconvinced that it was St. Anthony at work, putting it down to sheer coincidence or luck. I maintain it was prayer and that St Anthony knows that I too was lost, away from God, for a long time, and now as I begin to find my way again, St. Anthony is right here with me.

Thank you to choccat.wordpress.com for a unique take on St. Anthony's assistance~

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

St. Anthony Did Hear My Prayers

My daughter was involved in a car accident last Easter on her way back to college in San Marcos, Texas, when her car rolled and all items in her car were strewn along the side of the road. A ring she had that she bought in remembrance of my mother who had passed just less than two years before was all she wanted or cared about finding. We looked in the vehicle and it was not in there. On my way with her in bringing her back to college, we stopped close to where the accident was, just hoping we might find it. The grass was overgrown and the hopes of finding it were very unlikely. We began our search. About 10 minutes into the search, I prayed to St.Anthony for his intercession, in the hopes of finding the ring. Within minutes, I found the ring in an area where there was little grass. All my daughter could do was cry tears of joy. St Anthony did hear my prayers.

Thank you to stanthony.org for this story~

Friday, April 6, 2012

St. Anthony Quote - Christ Acts Like A Loving Mother

"Christ acts like a loving mother. To induce us to follow Him, He gives us Himself as an example and promises us a reward in His kingdom."

- Saint Anthony of Padua

A blessed Triduum to all of our readers~

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

One Small Step

Recently my son lost/misplaced his drivers license and was frantic to find it. He had looked everywhere he could think of. He has fallen away from the Church and has been having problems. I continually pray for him. When he told me of his lost license, I suggested he say a prayer to St. Anthony. He knows that I have turned to him many times over the years. We both said a prayer and he left for work. A short while later he called me to tell me that he found it in his glove box (where he had previously looked twice before). It was mixed in with some papers. I only hope that this was one small step in bringing him back to his faith. I never thought of it before until this very moment, posting this story, but my son is lost. He is a lost sheep. I need to go say a prayer.....

Thank you to P.S. for emailing us this heartfelt story - please keep her son in your prayers. Have your own testimony to share about St. Anthony and answered prayer? Email us to have it posted on our blog~

Sunday, April 1, 2012

St. Anthony To Guide Me

I told a friend that my booklet (that I needed very badly) was missing, and that I spent half of the day looking for it in all my bags and cabinets. She (from Ireland) said, "Pray to St Anthony for help". So I took her advice and asked St. Anthony to guide me find my missing booklet. At fist I was hesitant to look for it in my bags and cabinets because it would be a waste of time, but, I just tried one bag. Surprise, surprise I found my clip-on pair of sunglasses that had been missing for 3 months. This was a bonus and a very good sign. Now, my adrenaline came rushing in so I reached for the second bag. I noticed a concealed pocket that I did not inspect during my first search. BANG ! I found it !!! The booklet was there and I found it in less that 5 minutes! I was so excited it seemed like I was buoyed up with joy. I shared my experience with my wife and thanked St. Anthony for his help and God for making it possible. I immediately sent an email to my friend about the good news. I'm so happy... Happy reading everyone and God bless.

Thank you to AmericanCatholic.org for this story~

Friday, March 30, 2012

Prayer to St. Anthony For Those On Medication

Gracious God, You have provided in our world many healing remedies that are for our benefit when we are sick. In Your great goodness, you have guided the discovery of medicines that can cure illness, and help our bodies to heal. God of life, hear my fervent prayer. Through the miraculous intercession of St. Anthony, I ask your blessings upon the medication prescribed for (mention name) so that they may experience healing, and be restored to the fullness of health, in both mind and body. Please remove the sickness from (name), with the assistance of this medication, so that their recovery may be a cause for our joy, and a special sign of God's love and blessing in our lives. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be...

Monday, March 26, 2012

My Husband Came To Believe

How my husband came to believe in the power of prayer- I always ask St. Anthony's intercession when I lose things and I am always helped, but my husband was very skeptical. He always found some "logical reason" why an item had been found. In 2001, we attended a family reunion, and while there he lost his watch and a garnet ring that had belonged to his grandfather. We looked everywhere, and grasping at straws, I completely emptied my purse, but they were nowhere to be found. We had to go home (three days by train and car) without them. He was devastated.I told him to pray to St. Anthony, which he did out of desperation. After we had been home about a week, I had a feeling that I must look in my purse. Inside, right on the top, was the watch and ring! My husband became a believer right then and often tells the story of this miracle.

Thank you St. Anthony Shrine for this great story~

Thursday, March 22, 2012

I Listened To St. Anthony

My son lost his watch in his bedroom. It was very new and very special to him. After two days of telling him to keep looking, knowing that he never looks properly, I finally started to get worried about it and started looking myself. I also couldn't find it in his bedroom where he last saw it. So I asked St Anthony to pop into my head where I should look for it, and immediately the thought came to look in the small trash can in his bedroom. Then I said to myself, there's no way it's in the trash, and I kept looking in other places without success. So I finally gave in and decided to listen to St Anthony's thought and looked in the trash can, and there it was, in the trash. So, my advice is, just talk with St. Anthony like a friend, which of course he is.

Have a story of St. Anthony's help in your own life? Email it to us and we will post it on the blog~

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

St. Anthony Quote - God Will Give You All Of Himself

“Love wholly and not partially. God does not have parts but is present totally everywhere. God does not want only a part of you…. Give all of yourself, and God will give you all of Himself.”

—From the writings of St. Anthony of Padua

Monday, March 19, 2012

Send A St. Anthony Catholic E-Card

Saint Anthony's Guild in New York offers 2 different e-cards to send to friends and family, free of charge. Know someone that is having difficulties, or simply someone who's day you want to touch? Click here to send them the blessings of God through Saint Anthony~






Friday, March 16, 2012

Prayer to Saint Anthony, Performer of Miracles

Dear St. Anthony, your prayers obtained many miracles during your lifetime. You still seem to move at ease in the realm of minor and major miracles. Saint Anthony, Performer of Miracles, please obtain for me the blessings God holds in reserve for those who faithfully serve Him. Pray that I may be made worthy of the promises our Lord Jesus attaches to confident prayer (Mention your special intentions.) Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be...

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

A Deal Is A Deal

We lost the spare set of keys to my wife’s car about 3 months ago. We looked everywhere in the house several times. I searched all jackets as well, at least twice and my kid’s toyboxes as well. There was nowhere left in our house to search. I was going to get a new set at the dealership, but I was taken aback at how much this simple little key and remote would cost me - all together around $300.

I remember my grandmother talking about Saint Anthony before, and my vague recollection led me to do a google search for the saint of lost items. I read about it a bit and said a prayer. I remember reading that it is proper to publish your gratitude for receiving help – ie – if you ask, and prayers are answered, make your gratitude known. So, I said the prayer and stated that if I find the keys that I would invest the time and a few bucks to create a website to both honor Saint Anthony and express my gratitude for receipt of his help.

Well, this evening as my wife was about to go out the door to work she reached in the pocket of her coat and let out a surprised sort of yelp as she pulled the keys out of her pocket with her right hand. The amazing thing is that the lost keys came out of a jacket which I personally searched in looking for the keys, and it is also a jacket she wears very often.

What does this all mean? A miracle? Prayers were answered? I am not sure, all I know is what I just explained. I also know that I said a prayer, a specific prayer, and I promised to take an action in return for the prayer being answered. They keys appeared, so I made a website to honor what I offered to do in return for that. A deal is a deal.


Thank you to www.AnthonySaint.net for this story~

Monday, March 12, 2012

Saint Anthony Quote - Resplendent With Beauty

"If things created are so full of loveliness, how resplendent with beauty must be the One who made them!"

– St. Anthony of Padua

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Incredibly Inconvenienced

A little while ago, I worked at a gala benefit for a non-profit. The event was held at a local museum. As I was setting up prior to the arrival of the crowd, one of the museum staff asked me if I had any idea where she could have left her keys. She'd been looking for them for three days, and had been incredibly inconvenienced by their loss. I asked her if she'd asked St. Anthony to help her find them. She gave me a funny look, and said, 'No, I didn't think of that. My mom would have told me to do that." "Do it", I urged her, "St. Anthony is incredibly good at finding things." She walked off to continue getting ready for the event. A couple of minutes later, we heard a woman shrieking. It was the young lady who'd lost her keys! She rushed towards me, holding up a heavy key chain. "I found it!" She said. She was truly spooked. She had asked for St. Anthony's help, and as soon as she had done so, found her keys.
St. Anthony is very close to us, very kind, and very willing to help. Try asking for his help the next time you misplace something you need. Do so sincerely, and I am sure he will help you.
There are several little rhymes used to ask for his help, such as: "Saint Anthony, Saint Anthony, please come down, My _______ is lost, and must be found." Call his name, and visualize your lost item, explain how important it is to you to find it, and sincerely ask for his aid.
It is my feeling that when a Saint intercedes for us and grants our request, we should give sincere thanks. Everyone appreciates a thank you, and relationships are not one-sided. A candle and a vase of flowers are always appropriate.

Have a Saint Anthony story of your own to share? Email it to us and we will post it on the blog to inspire others to ask for St. Anthony's help too~

Monday, March 5, 2012

St. Anthony's Email Bag - I Lost Myself

Another time when St. Anthony helped me occurred on the March for Life just this January. Only, instead of me loosing an object of some sort, I lost myself. I was pushing along, trying to keep up with my youth group, when we started pushing through the huge crowds. I think I stayed with the right group... but although they were from my bus, they certainly were not from my youth group. I was (naturally) not a little frightened, and turned my thoughts towards St. Anthony, asking him to please let someone find me. (I am a quiet sort of person, and do not stand out in crowds very well. People usually do not even notice me—not a very good trait to have when lost!) Finally, starting to get desperate, I looked around at the big, pushing crowds. Did I mention I was frightened? Miraculously, as I scanned the waves of people, I spotted my older brother and two of his friends! I practically tore through the crowds, mercilessly pushing my way through them, and tapped my brother’s shoulder. Boy was he surprised to see me! He thought I was hopelessly lost, and wasn’t even looking for me anymore! He and his friends escorted me safely back to my youth group where everyone breathed more than one sighs of relief, and a few exclamations of thankfulness and/or admonishment. Thanks to St. Anthony, I am home safe and sound. If it were not for his help, I might still be lost in DC! Thank you, Saint Anthony!

Thank you to C.O., age 15, for emailing us this another great St. Anthony story. Have your own testimony to share about St. Anthony and answered prayer? href="mailto:ygnacia@cruzio.com"Email us to have it posted on our blog~

Sunday, March 4, 2012

St. Anthony Quote - Listening

"The creator of the heavens obeys a carpenter; the God of eternal glory listens to a poor virgin. Has anyone ever witnessed anything comparable to this? Let the philosopher no longer disdain from listening to the common laborer; the wise, to the simple; the educated, to the illiterate; a child of a prince, to a peasant."

-St. Anthony of Padua

Friday, March 2, 2012

St. Anthony's Email Bag - I Trusted Saint Anthony

Saint Anthony has always helped me find pretty much anything I have ever lost—and for those things which he has not permit me to find, I usually turn around and thank him a couple days later for not letting them be found. Here is an instance in which this good saint has helped me:

Last month, I was looking frantically for something which I had a limited amount of time to find: the shoulder rest for my violin. I had to go to my lesson soon, and could not find it to save my life! I looked everywhere and asked everyone, but no one had seen it. Finally, I remembered Saint Anthony of Padua and how he is the patron saint of lost things. So, I asked him to help: “Dear saint Anthony, would you please help me find my shoulder rest? I’ve looked everywhere, but I just can’t quite find it.” I was sure he would help! And so, (as I usually do after asking the intercession of the aforesaid saint), I closed my eyes, spun around several times, and pointed. When I opened my eyes, I was staring at a blank wall. And I was so sure that he would help! Suddenly, I had an idea. I went into the room on the other side of the wall, and began to search inside the closet. While I did not find my shoulder rest, I did find a framed picture of Saint Anthony of Padua which had been trashed and left in a pile of assorted junk by my younger brothers. I just couldn’t bear to see this picture of my friend in this condition, so I took it to my room where I cleaned it really well and dabbed a little more golden paint onto the frame to cover up the places where the paint had worn away or had chipped off. Finally, when I had finished my brief yet thorough restoration, I hung it up on the wall, very pleased. But then, I looked at my watch. Barely five minutes until I had to go, and I had not found what I was looking for! And so, knowing full well that just looking for it myself would be a waste of time, I knelt down before the picture I had just hung on the wall, and begged the good Saint to please help me find my shoulder rest. I spun once again, and found myself pointing to... the laundry room of all places.... Even though in my desperation I had already looked there before, I trusted Saint Anthony and went to look, anyhow. To my surprise, there was the shoulder rest... in one of the very places I had turned upside down previously! Of course, I just had to thank dear Saint Anthony! And so, I proceeded to my violin lesson. (P.S. The picture is still hanging in my bedroom!)

Thank you to C.O., age 15, for emailing us this amazing story. Have your own testimony to share about St. Anthony and answered prayer? Email us to have it posted on our blog~

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Prayer To St. Anthony For The Family

Dear St. Anthony, we turn to you to ask your protection for our family. Called by God, you left your home to consecrate your life to good works for your neighbor, and have come to the aid of countless families, even with wondrous deeds, to bring peace and serenity everywhere.

Our dear patron, intervene in our favor: obtain for us health of body and spirit from God, grant that we may share in a true communion which will enable us to open ourselves to love for our neighbor; grant that our family be, like the Holy Family of Nazareth, a small house of God and that every family in the world may become a shrine to life and love. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be...

Monday, February 27, 2012

Ygnacia's Own Stories - From Ygnacia's Daughter

Hello there readers. I'm the daughter of Ygnacia, the lady who runs this blog, and I have a little story to tell you all. It all would not have happened if my mom did not have this blog about St. Anthony. Because ever since she started it, she's had a new catch-phrase, "Just pray to St. Anthony!" I guess it's because she's been getting all of these crazy stories about all these people who find stuff, like long lost purses or tiny diamond rings, after praying to St. Anthony. It's kinda hard to believe in all truth. But I've always been cool about it, nodding and smiling while thinking to myself that these people have got to be making 60% of this stuff up. But hey, if you say it happened, who am I to say otherwise? Anyways, down to my story.

The other day, I lost my bag that has everything I need in it for this class that I take, about five minutes before I had to go to the class. I was freaking out! Running up and down the stairs, tearing things off of shelves and counters, and in general, searching frantically for my bag. But, it was no where to be found. I ask my mom if she has seen it, but she had not. Then, lo and behold, her favorite catch-phrase came out. "Just pray to St. Anthony!" she said. I rolled my eyes, but just in case, I did say a little prayer to myself. Something along the lines of 'Tony, Tony come around, something's lost and can't be found.' Then, I dashed back upstairs one more time to search the computer room for my bag. As I looked atop of my chinchilla's cage for the tenth time, I put my hand on the back of a swivel chair. It's swiveled around and boom, there was my bag! It had been on the chair the whole time, but I only found it after my prayer. Whether this was just plain luck, or whether it was something more, is up for debate. But hey, who knows, right?

A big 'thank you' to my teenage daughter for writing up this story for us to post. Have a St. Anthony story of your own you would like to share? Email it to us and we will post it on our blog~

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Quotes from Pope John Paul II Regarding St. Anthony

Pope John Paul II has defined Saint Anthony, Doctor of the Church, as the "man of the Gospels". This great honor is found in the Pope's speech given in Padua on September 12th., 1982, on the occasion of his visit to Saint Anthony's Basilica. We present some of the more meaningful passages of this speech, so that through the words of the Pope you may appreciate Saint Anthony even more.

"During his entire existence Saint Anthony was a man of the Gospel. And if we honor him as such, it is because we believe that the Holy Spirit dwelt in him in an extraordinary way, enriching him with wonderful gifts and moving him 'from within', to undertake an activity which was worthy of note in the thirty-six years of his earthly existence, but which is very far from extinguishing itself as time passes - it continues, vigorously and providentially even in this day and age.

I would like to ask you to meditate precisely on this quality of belonging to the Gospels. This is the very reason why Saint Anthony is proclaimed 'the Saint'.

Without excluding other qualities or making preferences, this is the sign that holiness has reached exceptional heights in him. His holiness has surpassed all else due to the strength of its example and has helped devotion to Saint Anthony to spread throughout the world. It is truly difficult to find a city or town in the Catholic world that does not have at least one statue or altar devoted to him. His serene face illuminates millions of Christian homes with a kind smile, homes where through him faith nourishes hope in the divine providence of our Heavenly Father.

Believers, mostly the smallest and most vulnerable, consider him to be their saint, an intercessor always ready to help."

Thursday, February 23, 2012

St. Anthony's Comment Box Quotes - From Slovacek

A valuable item at our household was lost on Monday morning and I learned that it had been lost this morning. Along with my wife and daughter, I searched the entire house for the item (when I search, I search thoroughly). I went to a couple of places away from the house where it might have been lost – no success. I went to the gift shop at our church, bought a St. Anthony prayer card, said the prayer and returned home. When I got home, I searched the driveway and the grass around the driveway – possible spots where it might have fallen – no luck. I approached the front door and laying on ground right in front of our door, there it was! It was not partially covered up. It was in plain sight. We surely would have seen it Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday under normal circumstances. Thank you God and thank you St. Anthony!

Thank you to Slovacek commenting on catholicmom.com for this inspiring Saint Anthony story~

Monday, February 20, 2012

Another Passport Found

Now, I normally use my passport for all ID-related things, on account of not driving. I always keep it in my purse, but one day I couldn’t find it. So, I had a slight panic moment but managed to recover and have a lovely evening, reminding myself that I had recently taken a bunch of things out of my purse, and probably inadvertently removed the passport. I did notice that I had misplaced my work ID as well, but since I needed to use that to get into my office after eating lunch, I am pretty sure I just left it on my desk. I got home and looked around. Note, I will say it now, the first place I checked was in my backpack that I use to lug my laptop around. I put away a whole bunch of things that was in piles around my apartment. No luck. I called my mom. She looked around on the coffee table where I usually leave my purse at her house. No luck. So I walked over to the grocery store and the little Chinese take out place I’ve been eating at recently. No luck. On the way home, I started chanting the St. Anthony Prayer: 'Dear St. Anthony, please come round, something is lost that cannot be found. If you find it, please bring it to me, and I’ll be happy as can be.' I walked in the door. I looked around a bit more. I reached inside my backpack one. more. time. And pulled out my passport. YEP, ST. ANTHONY.

Like to share your own St. Anthony story with our readers? Email it to us and we will post it on our blog~

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Prayer to St. Anthony – A Friend In Heaven

O Holy St. Anthony, reach down from heaven and take hold of my hand, assure me that I am not alone. You are known to possess miraculous powers from God, and to be ever ready to intercede for those in trouble. Loving and gentle St. Anthony, reach down from heaven I implore you, and assist me in my hour of need. Join your prayers with mine for (mention your request here). Dearest St. Anthony, lead me with your strength, plead for me in my needs, and guide me to humble thanks for the bountiful blessings I receive from God Our Father. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be...

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

St. Anthony - A Helpful Friend To All

St. Anthony greatly impacted my relationship with a Buddhist family from Vietnam who moved next to us in late 2003. Their 5 year old little girl befriended me first, then as I got to know the family and to befriend them more and more, I told them about St. Anthony and how he very reliably helps to find things lost. They thought that the concept was a ridiculous Catholic superstition. I said, "No! It's not superstition at all! It's not MAGIC, of course. And the prayers to St. Anthony have to be made by one sincerely seeking friendship with God. But it works. In fact, it works so well, I usually find the lost thing within 20 minutes or so!" The mother was looking for her cell phone at the time. I said the prayer in front of them. They found it -- in 20 minutes. The Vietnamese family all laughed at the "coincidence."

After that incident, after I prayed to St. Anthony the family found the wad of cash from the father's paycheck, a wedding ring, car keys, the cell phone again. And, as if to verify my words to my new friends, they always found each item within 20 minutes. My neighbor's friends became "spooked" by these events. At one point they asked me to please STOP praying to St. Anthony, because it FRIGHTENED them!

One day the wife tried it on her own. She had misplaced a document she HAD to have, at that moment, so that her grandmother from Vietnam could visit the United States. She called me on the telephone to tell me that St. Anthony had not answered her sincere prayer. I said, "That's not possible." I asked her what she HAD found. She said, "My daughter's homework folder from school." I asked, "Did you LOOK in it?" She yelled to her daughter in Vietnamese. A few seconds later, I heard the daughter yelling in English, "Mommy! Mommy! He was right! I accidentally put the paper in my homework folder!" I heard the mother whispering, "I can't believe it! I can't believe it! I can't believe it!" as she hung up the phone.

Thank you to P.J.D. commenting on The Path Less Taken blog for this wonderful St. Anthony story~

Sunday, February 12, 2012

St. Anthony's Email Bag - A Stolen Purse Found

We just received this email from a Saint Anthony -- Lost And Found Blog follower. She emailed us earlier this month asking for prayers, we emailed her a prayer to St. Anthony and then offered up our own prayers on her behalf. Here is her response:

My purse was snatched in New Orleans on Dec. 14, 2011. I already gave up cause I did not hear from anyone (the police) since. On 2/7/11 I read about St. Anthony on your blog and wrote to you. I got your email the next day, 2/8/11. Amazing, on 2/9/11 morning I got a call from New Orleans police department that the suspect was arrested and they will call me later with more details. Thank you St. Anthony.

M.K., Sent from my iPad

We post the Prayer of Thanksgiving to St. Anthony in response to this answered prayer, and for the myriad of other prayers answered through the intersession of our beloved St. Anthony:

Prayer of Thanksgiving to Saint Anthony of Padua

Most loving protector, St. Anthony, what gift can I give you in exchange to show my heartfelt gratitude? With your continued help I will show appreciation to you by being more faithful to God, more constant in my prayer, and readier to do good to those nearest me. I praise God for the esteem in which your name is held throughout the world, for the miracles and wonders which have filled the Church and the world through you, and for the many benefits humanity continues receiving through your gracious intersession. May these intentions convey my great thanks to the triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and to our Blessed Mother Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be...

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Help With Even The Smallest Of Things

Allow me to say from experience that St. Anthony’s prayers for lost things are powerful. Here’s an example:

Saturday night was my very last ballet performance ever. I was back stage getting ready for our final number – a black light dance wherein all of the dancers wore white gloves, white socks, and white masks – when suddenly I felt the hushed silence of sheer panic fill the dressing room. One of the other dancers in the number was missing a sock. Since black light dances are dependent on having each dancer being completely identical (and thus, unrecognizable), this simply wouldn’t do. The only option was to find that sock. The moment I found out what was wrong, I began begging St. Anthony for his prayers and asking Jesus from the bottom of my heart to heed our prayers, while simultaneously tearing the dressing room apart searching for the missing sock. Meanwhile, the number before ours was in full swing – we had about a minute and a half for this miracle to happen.

With a solid 50 seconds to spare, I spotted the sock in the least logical place imaginable, several feet away from where we were all expecting it to be. We still have no idea how it got there. And I have no doubt that the the only reason I found it was because of the tenderness of God aroused by he prayers of St. Anthony on our behalf.

Yes, I realize it was only a sock. But how sweet that our Lord cares for us so much as to even help us find our lost socks, our car keys, a parking space. And how generous of St. Anthony to spend his heaven faithfully praying for such humble things.


Thank you to the Catholic Unveiled blog for this story and touching reflection~

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Need Prayers?

Recently, we here at the Saint Anthony -- Lost and Found blog have been receiving more and more prayer requests. We are always happy ask St. Anthony's intersession for whatever our reader's needs may be. To add to that, we now have a link to the website of Saint Anthony’s Franciscan Friars at the Basilica of St. Anthony in Padua, Italy.
Click here to visit the Basilica of St. Anthony's website and send your prayer requests.


The Friars will take your intentions to Saint Anthony's tomb and pray for you and with you that God may grant you the assistance you need through the intercession of Good Saint Anthony.

If you would like to share any prayers answered through St. Anthony's intercession, please email them to us to post on our blog~

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Lost Diamond Found

Here's another St. Anthony story I recently remembered.

This happened in about 2000 or 2001. I was working at a corporation in Chicago with several consultants. We were having a group meeting with my boss when I noticed the lady consultant sitting next to me was missing the diamond from her wedding ring. As soon as the meeting ended and before we even rose from our chairs, I called her attention to the missing stone. All of us began looking carefully on the floor and all around, and she stood and brushed her clothing hoping it would fall out. No luck. We all looked carefully all around the meeting room, then out into the hallway and even all they way back to her temporary office hoping to spot the stone. But we did not find it. After about a half hour of looking I told her I told her I would pray to St. Anthony to find the diamond, and told her she should pray too. She was skeptical and looked at me as if I were not very bright, and I do not think she prayed. After a while we stopped looking but I continued to pray for her to find her diamond, and she was quite upset to have lost it, having been married over 25 years. A few days later I got a phone call from her at work. She was very excited and told me "You are not going to believe this!" The evening before she had done some laundry, and when she went to put away some clothing in her lingerie drawer, there gleaming in the drawer amid her clothes was her diamond! I immediately said, "Thank you St. Anthony!!!" and she thanked me profusely for praying. I hope she became a devotee of St. Anthony that day!

Thank you again B.B. for another inspiring story. Have your own testimony to share about St. Anthony and answered prayer? Email us to have it posted on our blog~