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.
He is one of the great saints of the Catholic Church, and one of the beloved--even far beyond Catholics themselves. Untold numbers of people turn to him, still, when there is loss. And strangely--at least strangely in the usual ways of the world--those things often quickly turn up. And often they turn up in the most unexpected--even seemingly miraculous ways. Let the stories begin.
