Walking With The Father: Saint Anthony of Padua

June 1, 2015

Saint Anthony of Padua

On June 13th the Church celebrates Saint Anthony of Padua. This saint from Lisbon Portugal is one of the 35 Doctors of the Church and probably best known for his help in finding lost articles. Most people I know have a story about when they lost something and then asked for Saint Anthony’s intercession to help them find it with success. Tradition tells us that a young novice at the monastery stole Anthony’s psalter. When Anthony prayed for its return, the thief was moved to return it and did so. I’ve heard some people pray this prayer when they have lost something and seek Anthony’s help: “Saint Anthony of Padua please look around; something is lost and must be found.”

Anthony was the greatest preacher in his day, and was known for his eloquence in speech and boldness in his message. Some called him the “hammer of the heretics” when it came to explaining the faith and correcting error. There are many stories of miracles attributed to him – including one where a sea of fish gathered near him to listen to his preaching when the people refused to. Aside from St. Thérèse of Lisieux, I think Anthony may be the most prayed to Doctor of the Church.