|
Our Patron Saint Feast
Day: 13th June
|
 |
St
Anthony of Padua
|
|
|
About St Anthony
. . . . . . St Anthony was born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1195, to a noble family and was called Ferdinand. His wealthy family wanted him also to be a great nobleman, but for the sake of Christ he became a poor Franciscan. When he was fifteen he joined the Augustinian Order. Just after being ordained, he met the first Franciscans from Assisi. Deeply impressed by the heroism of these friars, he decided to join the Franciscans and went to Morocco, changing his name to Anthony. When he became ill he returned home to Portugal, but on the way his ship was blown off course in a hurricane and landed in Sicily. Some time later he went to Assisi where he met Saint Francis. From there he was sent to the hermitage of Monte Paolo where he worked and prayed. At an ordination ceremony Anthony delivered a sermon which amazed his audience. For the rest of his life, preaching, more than anything else, was his work. During his preachings in Padua, Anthony was outspoken against the charging of excessive interest on loans of money which was a predominant vice in that area. When poor people could not meet the exorbitant demands of the moneylenders they were thrown into prison. By preaching Christian charity, Anthony was able to curb the vicious practice. He worked for the poor, the oppressed and those most in need of charity and justice for the rest of his short life. He died in Arcella on 13th June 1231. Only 11 months later, on 30th May 1232, Anthony was canonized by Pope Gregory IX. He was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius XII in 1946.
Click here to visit the St Anthony of Padua website in Italy |
ST
ANTHONY'S DEVOTIONS . . . . . . .
 Come,
Holy Ghost, Creator blest,and in our hearts take up thy rest; Come with Thy grace and heavenly aid, to fill the hearts that Thou has made. St Anthony, powerful in word and work . . . Grant us what we ask of thee St Anthony, our patron and advocate . . . Grant us what we ask of thee St Anthony, attentive to those who invoke thee . . . Grant us what we ask of thee St Anthony, whom the Infant Jesus so much loved . . . Grant us what we ask of thee For our Holy Father, Pope Benedict . . . Our Father, Hail Mary For our special intentions, our sick and friends, living and dead . . . Our Father, Hail Mary NOVENA PRAYER O holy St Anthony, gentlest of saints, your love for God and charity for your neighbour made you worthy when on earth to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me my request (mention it here). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle; even so you are the saint of miracles. O, gentle and loving St Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my prayer into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to linger in your arms and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen ST ANTHONY'S
BLESSING
given to him by St Francis May the Lord bless you and take you into his keeping; may He show you His countenance; and take pity on you; may He turn His eyes towards you and give you His peace. |
|
PRAYERS
TO ST ANTHONY O God, our good and merciful Father, who chose Saint Anthony as a witness to the Gospel and a messenger of peace among your people, hear the prayer that we send to you through the Saint's intercession. Sanctify our families, and help them grow in faith. May our homes be blessed with unity, peace and serenity. Bless our children and protect our young. Lend your help to those who are afflicted by sickness, suffering or solitude. Help us face our everyday trials by giving us your love. Through Christ, Our Lord, Amen. Remember,
O Saint of Miracles, that you have never failed to help and to console
anyone who has ever sought you in his need. I, too, come to thee
who are so rich in graces and who are the favoured friend of the
Infant Jesus, conifdent that I do not pray in vain. |
