St. Anthony: Powerful Prayers, Novena, and Patron of Lost Items

Feast Day:

June 13th

Patronage:

Lost items, the poor, travelers, and sailors

St. Anthony of Padua is perhaps the most beloved "wonder-worker" in the history of the Catholic Church. While he is known globally as the patron saint of lost items, his spiritual reach extends far beyond finding misplaced keys. From the famous unfailing prayer to St. Anthony to the traditional nine-day novena, his intercession has obtained countless miracles for those in desperate need.

Whether you are seeking a lost object, praying for a "lost soul" to return to the faith, or starting a solemn St. Anthony novena, this guide provides the essential prayers and stories to deepen your devotion to this great Doctor of the Church.

Powerful Prayers to St. Anthony

While St. Anthony is most famous for helping us find lost keys or wallets, his spiritual reach is far greater. In the Catholic tradition, his intercession is considered "unfailing" because of his deep intimacy with the Infant Jesus.

The Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony

This specific devotion is often recited by those in desperate need of a miracle. Many keep this prayer in their wallets or taped to their refrigerators as a constant reminder of his protection.

“Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints”

O Holy St. Anthony gentlest of Saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (make your request).

O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms. The gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen.

The Short Prayer for Lost Items

This is perhaps the most recited "folk prayer" in the world. Often captured in a simple, rhyming couplet, it is the first thing many Catholics say the moment something goes missing.

"St. Anthony, St. Anthony, please come around, something is lost and needs to be found."

St Anthony of Padua holding the Christ child

Why is St. Anthony the Patron Saint of Lost Items?

You may wonder how a 13th-century Portuguese friar became the heavenly helper of lost car keys. The tradition actually stems from a very personal trial in Anthony’s own life.

While teaching at a Franciscan friary, Anthony possessed a precious book of Psalms that he had hand-annotated for his students. A young novice decided to leave the order and, upon his departure, stole Anthony’s book.

Anthony did not send a search party; instead, he knelt and prayed that the thief would return the book. Not only did the novice return the Psalter, but he was so moved by grace that he returned to the Franciscan order as well. This "double return"—of both the lost item and the lost soul—was the beginning of Anthony’s reputation as the patron of all things lost.

Listen to the Life of St. Anthony: The Hammer of Heretics

To truly understand the power of St. Anthony’s intercession, one must understand the fire of his preaching and the humility of his heart. Born Fernando Martins de Bulhões in Lisbon, he eventually joined the Franciscans, taking the name Anthony.

Join Tom Shrewsbury as he takes you through the remarkable life of Fernando Martino—later known as St. Anthony of Padua—whose journey began in Lisbon and led to sainthood, renowned across centuries.

A Young Heart Set on God’s Will: From the start, Fernando questioned not just what life had in store for him, but what he could do for God. Choosing a life of study and service over youthful indulgence, he entered the Augustinian monastery at just 15 (02:06), pursuing a dedicated yet humble path.
The Spark of Martyrdom and the Road to Franciscan Life: Witness his turning point after encountering martyred Franciscan missionaries—igniting his desire to serve God, even at great cost. This eventually led him to don the brown habit of the Franciscans and take the name Anthony (05:48).
Testing Faith on Foreign Shores: Listen as Anthony sets out to Morocco, only to be redirected by illness and divine intervention, landing him on the shores of Sicily and eventually bringing him face to face with St. Francis himself (07:15).
From Humble Service to Unmatched Preacher: Despite his scholarship, Anthony quietly accepted kitchen work—until one fateful, unplanned sermon suddenly revealed his extraordinary gifts (10:22). This episode catapulted him to prominence, propelling him on a mission across continents.
Speaking with the Voice of God: Marvel at Anthony’s miraculous ability to speak in languages he never studied, and move not just the crowds but even the Pope himself (12:23).
Facing Tyrants, Converting Hearts: Be inspired as Anthony’s words bring even the cruelest tyrants to their knees and draw tens of thousands to hear him without the need for modern amplification (14:45).
Miracles and Wonders: From bilocation—being in two places at once (18:20)—to commanding creatures and converting whole villages, Anthony’s ministry was marked by the supernatural (19:45 & 20:57).
The Famous Mule Story and Visions of Christ: Don’t miss the unforgettable tale where a mule chooses to adore the Eucharist, leading to a miraculous conversion (00:23:18), or the vision of the Christ Child shining through Anthony’s humility (23:42).
A Saint’s Final Legacy: After years of changing the world, Anthony’s last days are deeply moving—culminating in a vision of God moments before his death at just 36 (25:19). Canonized swiftly, he remains a beacon of what God can do with a humble, willing heart.

The St. Anthony Novena

A 9-Day Journey of Faith

For deeper intentions—such as a lost relationship, a lost job, or a spiritual crisis—the St. Anthony Novena is a powerful prayer. A "novena" consists of nine consecutive days of prayer, echoing the nine days the Apostles spent praying in the Upper Room before Pentecost.

Novena Day One

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 for 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.