Day 1- Saint Anthony of Padua Novena
Saint Anthony of Padua's feast day is celebrated on June 13th. A Franciscan Friar born on August 5, 1195 in Lisbon, Portugal by the name of Fernando de Boullion. After much study in different schools, Saint Anthony joined the Franciscan order in 1220. He preached to many including the friars and lived the way of St. Francis. After the passing of Saint Francis in 1226, Saint Anthony of Padua was named the Minister Provincial of Romagna-Emilia, however he resigned his position in 1230. He wanted to continue preaching the Good News. Saint Anthony's passion in his preaching gave him the title of “Hammer of Heretics". As he preached outside of Padua, Saint Anthony became very ill and asked to be taken back to Padua for his final destination. Saint Anthony did not make it back and on June 13, 1231, Saint Anthony died in Arcella. On May 30, 1232 in Spoleto, Italy he was canonized a Saint by Pope Gregory IX and declared a doctor of the church on January 16, 1946 by Pope Pius XII. Saint Anthony is often depicted with infant Jesus. This portrait reflects the appearance that St. Anthony experienced in1231, when Jesus appeared to Saint Anthony in the form of a child during his prayer. Saint Anthony is the patron saint of lost things and some pray to him to find their spouse. When his body was exhumed, his tongue was intact and incorrupt and can be found displayed in the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua along with his jaw bone. San Antonio, TX is indeed named after this doctor of the church and Franciscan Friar. On his special day, we pray for his intercession that more men may join the Franciscan life and preach the Gospel of God.
Many Friars celebrate his feast day by praying a novena, beginning nine days prior to his feast day. Join us by praying the novena with us.
To begin the Novena:
O wonderful St. Anthony, glorious on account of the fame of your miracles, and through the condescension of Jesus in coming in the form of a little child to rest in your arms, obtain for me of His bounty the grace which I ardently desire from the depths of my heart . (State your intention)
You who were so compassionate toward miserable sinners, regard not the unworthiness of those who pray to you, but the glory of God that it may once again be magnified by the granting of the particular request (State your intention) which I now ask for with persevering earnestness. Amen
Our Father......, Hail Mary......, Glory Be to the Father.......,
in honor of Saint Anthony.
Saint Anthony, pray for us!
DAY 1:
O holy St. Anthony, gentlest of saints, your love for God and charity for his creatures made you worthy while on earth to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me the favor I seek in this novena (State your intention). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle; even so, you are the saint of miracles. O gentle and loving Saint Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the gratitude of my heart will always be yours.
Our Father......, Hail Mary......, Glory Be to the Father.......,
in honor of Saint Anthony.
Saint Anthony, pray for us!
