St. Anthony is often invoked as the patron saint of lost items, seekers of lost souls, and those in need of help and guidance. St. Anthony’s reputation as a miracle worker and intercessor for finding lost things can be traced back to a story from his own life. According to legend, he once lost a valuable book of psalms, and he fervently prayed for its return. Miraculously, the book was found, and this event has led many to seek St. Anthony’s intercession in locating lost items.
Devotion to St. Anthony began shortly after his death in 1231 when he was canonized as a saint by Pope Gregory IX. His popularity quickly spread throughout Europe, and many stories of his miracles and intercessions circulated among the faithful. St. Anthony’s ability to help people find lost items, provide guidance, and perform other miraculous acts contributed to his reputation as a powerful intercessor. The devotion to St. Anthony also grew due to his deep spirituality, humility, and commitment to poverty, which resonated with the Franciscan ideals. His sermons and writings emphasized themes such as love for God, care for the poor, and the importance of a devout Christian life. This made him a relatable and beloved figure among the common people.
St. Anthony of Padua, born in Portugal in the 12th century, was a revered figure in the Catholic Church. He initially joined the Augustinian order but later became a Franciscan friar. His exceptional skills as a preacher and theologian earned him the nickname “Hammer of Heretics.” St. Anthony’s teachings focused on the importance of faith, humility, and compassion. He is often depicted with the Infant Jesus, symbolizing his devotion to Christ. St. Anthony is also known as the patron saint of lost articles, as he helped find a lost manuscript through prayer. His legacy continues to inspire believers.
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.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Saint Anthony, pray for us!
O 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.)
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Saint Anthony, pray for us!
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.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Saint Anthony, pray for us!
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 your 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.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Saint Anthony, pray for us!
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.)
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Saint Anthony, pray for us!
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.)
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Saint Anthony, pray for us!
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.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Saint Anthony, pray for us!
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.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Saint Anthony, pray for us!
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.)
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Saint Anthony, pray for us!
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