St. Anthony of Padua was born in Lisbon, Portugal in 1195. St. Anthony was noted for his powerful preaching, expert knowledge of scripture and undying devotion to the poor and sick. The tradition of praying to St. Anthony to find lost or stolen things can be traced back to an incident in Bologna, of his lost psalm book, in which St. Anthony prayed it would be found or returned. The book was returned and his patronage has since been linked to lost items.
While we are honoring this marvelous Saint, it is my wish to warn you of certain pathology in devotion to St. Anthony. Usually when we see statue of our beloved Saint we see him as a young boy with blushing cheeks and fair skin.
The reality is that he was far from it. A few years ago, through scientific method, using St. Anthony’s skull, scientists made a 3D rendering of St. Anthony’s face. He was (and still is, as a matter of fact) a strong, forceful man. As I have said many times, he was a Sign of Jesus Christ in this world. Not a meek lamb, but a raging lion. Brave and chivalrous. Ready to give all for Kingdom of God. That is the example of St. Anthony I am ready, and am inviting you to do the same, to follow.
O blessed St. Anthony, the grace of God has made you a powerful advocate in all our needs and the patron for the restoring of things lost or stolen. I turn to you today with childlike love and deep confidence. You have helped countless children of God to find the things they have lost, material things, and, more importantly, the things of the spirit: faith, hope, and love. I come to you with confidence; help me in my present need. I recommend what I have lost to your care, in the hope that God will restore it to me, if it is His holy Will. Amen.