Today, June 13th, is the Memorial of St. Anthony of Padua📿⛪

 

St. Anthony of Padua, a revered priest and doctor of the Church, was a distinguished preacher recognized for his efforts against heresy and his remarkable miracles, as noted by Catholic Culture. While he is often associated with helping people locate lost items, his true mission was to guide lost souls toward a deeper relationship with Jesus.

Anthony was born in Lisbon, Portugal, but his profound desire to meet Saint Francis of Assisi and join his order led him to Italy. As a Franciscan, Anthony dedicated himself to serving the poor and the sick. He prioritized addressing their physical needs, and then he would gently remind them that Jesus also lived without possessions, taking the opportunity to preach the Gospel.

Contributions to Theology

Anthony is recognized as an official Doctor of the Church, a title that signifies his significant contributions to our understanding of theology. Among his most impactful contributions was his ability to make complex theological concepts accessible to ordinary people. He employed simple, relatable analogies to clarify the teachings of Jesus, which enabled him to guide a remarkable number of lost souls back to their faith.
At this point, you may be wondering, “Why is he the patron saint of lost things?”

Anthony cherished a book of psalms that held great significance to him. One day, a monk took the book and left the Franciscan community. In response, Anthony prayed fervently for its return, and soon after, the monk was overcome with guilt and returned the book.  Following the death of Saint Anthony of Padua, people began to turn to him in prayer whenever they earnestly wished for the return of a lost item. This devotion has continued to grow over the centuries. However, the greater lesson from Saint Anthony’s life is that he helped lost individuals find their way back to Jesus. This is a calling we all share, including the need to rediscover our connection with Jesus, especially when we feel we have lost it.

In our lives, we often stray from Jesus. Sometimes, we may not even realize it, or we may do so intentionally.

Our mission, then, is to reconnect with Jesus. He is always there, patiently waiting for our return. All it takes is a heartfelt acknowledgment: “Jesus, here I am, and I need you.” This simple yet profound statement opens the door to a renewed relationship with Him.

There are many avenues we can explore in this journey. Visiting a church can provide a sacred space for reflection and prayer. Engaging in conversation with a priest can offer guidance and support in our spiritual lives. Additionally, reaching out to a trusted friend who embodies a strong faith can provide encouragement and insight as we seek to rediscover our connection with Christ. If we find ourselves in need of extra assistance along the way, we can always turn to Saint Anthony of Padua. His compassionate spirit and dedication to helping those who are lost make him a powerful intercessor.

Saint Anthony, pray for us!

As we embark on this journey of rediscovery, it’s essential to reflect on our lives. Where have I lost sight of Jesus, and what steps can I take to find Him again? This reflection not only deepens our understanding of our own relationship with Christ but also opens our hearts to the needs of those around us.

Who else in my life might need help finding Jesus? By reaching out and offering support, we can become instruments of His love and guidance for others, creating a ripple effect of faith and hope in our communities.

Remember, you are never alone.

As the Church prepares to mark the Ninth World Day of the Poor on Sunday, 16 November 2025, Pope Leo XIV issues a message centred on the theme: “You are my hope”, and expresses his hope that this Jubilee Year may encourage the development of policies aimed at combatting forms of poverty both old and new. 
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