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.
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.
