Bizarre Things about St. Anthony of Padua

When was the last time you lost something precious and found it through the intercession of St. Anthony of Padua? Yes, St. Anthony of Padua – the patron saint for lost or stolen articles. The devotees claim that St. Anthony does not disappoint them in the time of their need. They will testify to the astonishing miracles in their life. No wonder Pope Leon XII gave the title as the ‘Saint of the World’ to St. Anthony.

Why talk about the bizarre St. Anthony of Padua?

St. Anthony’s feast day is on June 13. Unlike most preparations to celebrate festivities – novena (nine-day period) and the triduum (three-day period), the preparation for St. Anthony’s feast is for thirteen days – tredicina, beginning on May 31. No other saint has a thirteen-day preparation period in the celebration of the feast.

‘Anthony’ is not the original name of the saint.

What if I say Anthony is not his original name? It is the name the saint adopted. Padua is not the saint’s birthplace. So he is not an Italian, as Padua is in Italy.  St. Anthony was born in Lisbon, Portugal, almost 800 years ago. St. Anthony was an Augustinian Friar for ten years prior to becoming a Franciscan. He took up the name Anthony after becoming a Franciscan. Anthony is also spelled as Antonio or Antony. St. Anthony’s original name was Fernando Martins de Bulhuões, (born 1195, Lisbon, Portugal—died June 13, 1231, Arcella, Verona, Italy.

St. Anthony is the second quickest saint to be canonized.

Sainthood takes time – the Catholic church is slow to affirm anyone as a saint. But St. Anthony of Padua is the second quickest saint to be canonized in history. Pope Gregory IX canonized him one year after his death in Padua.

Even fish could listen to the saint.

According to a legend, once a crowd in Italy refused to hear him speak. That didn’t deter the saint.  St. Anthony turned to the ocean and started to preach to the fish.  Not long into his sermon, a school of fish rose from the water to listen to his words. But he was also a smart cookie – known as a Doctor of the Church – a title given to those who make a significant contribution to church teachings. The saint’s teaching resonated with even people of other faith. He is also known as the ‘Hammer of the Heretics.’

Not just Patron of Lost things.

This can sound presumptuous – St. Anthony, the great miracle worker in the Catholic church, performed miracles to heal the sick and even raised the dead. Yes, St. Anthony is known to find lost items or stolen goods. St. Anthony is also great at making love connections. If St. Valentine is letting you down, try St. Anthony to find love! St. Anthony is a patron of many things. Don’t be surprised – St. Anthony is called the patron saint of Brazil, amputees, animals, the elderly, the oppressed, the poor, and even the shipwrecks. The list can go on.

Concluding notes

I did have a profound encounter at the birthplace crypt of St. Anthony in Lisbon. The devotion to this saint is impressive across the globe. There are legends associated with St. Anthony – leaving us with incomprehensible details. The devotees vouch for the results of their prayers answered. You can join the devotees to pray through the saint’s intercession for almost any lost item, even a key or a phone.

I am sharing two famous prayers to St. Anthony. I am sure you will have a favorite prayer.  If it is different from the one given below, kindly share your favorite prayer to St. Anthony in the comments below.

Prayer to St. Anthony for Something Lost.

Dear St. Anthony, please come around [name what is lost] is lost and it cannot be found. St. Anthony, perfect imitator of Jesus, who received from God the special power of restoring lost things, grant that I may find [name what is lost] which has been lost.

Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony

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 (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; and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen.

About the Author

Feroz Fernandes, a Catholic Missionary, identifies himself as an Uncommon Priest. Father Feroz loves adventure in the apostolate. Check out his debut book The Uncommon Priest: Incredible Stories You Never Read on amazon. And also, the YouTube Channel: Feroz Fernandes promotes a better understanding of scripture.