lost something?

In case you missed it, today is the feast day of St. Anthony of Padua... better known to many as the saint who helps you find stuff when you lose it! Yes, it's true - there's even a little prayer that some people pray when they need St. Anthony's help finding a lost item: "St. Anthony, St. Anthony, please come 'round, something's lost and must be found!" No joke, folks.

Personally, I can say that St. Anthony has helped me find things I've lost on multiple occasions.

But there's a lot more to St. Anthony than finding things that are lost. He was a Franciscan priest, and having joined the Franciscan order in its early years, he was also a contemporary of St. Francis. Born in Portugal, he eventually ended up in Padua, Italy, where he was well-loved, particularly for his preaching. He spoke extensively of the need for forgiveness, and against hatred - things that people of all times and places can benefit from hearing. And of course, being Franciscan, he was deeply devoted to the suffering Christ of the Passion.

As I was reading a bit about St. Anthony, I came across this quote, which I'll close with:

"Christians must lean on the cross of Christ, just as travelers lean on a staff when they begin a long journey. They must have the Passion of Christ deeply embedded in their minds and hearts, because only from it can they derive peace, grace, and truth."

St. Anthony, please pray for us, and not just when we're looking for our car keys!

+Pace, e bene.