Lost

I have quirks; we all do. It annoys me when people point out my quirks. Well, that doesn’t bother me. It bothers me when they are true. In college, my sorority sisters used to laugh at me because every time I left I would immediately return to get one thing I forgot. I would be running to the store and the post office and forget the mail. I might start off on a walk, step out the door and remember that I wanted my iPod. I tend to forget stuff. This tendency seeps into other areas too. I lose things a lot. Where are my keys? I had a pair of earrings somewhere. Where was that form I had to turn in? When I am in a rush, this tendency can be doubly frustrating. And sometimes, I just flat-out can’t find them.

The first time anyone ever told me to “Pray to St. Anthony” was in North Platte. I grew up Lutheran, and an infrequent attendee at that. The only saint I knew was Nick and he only came ‘round once a year. My Catholic family explained that St. Anthony was the finder of lost things. I don’t really believe that saints hold religious power similar to God, but I didn’t think it would hurt if I asked St. Anthony for a little help. Damn if it didn’t work! Time after time, I would pray to St. Anthony and voila!, my keys would show up the next day. This happened time and time again; became a staunch believer. I would advise others who had lost things to pray to St. Anthony. I would laugh when my other non-Catholic friends would share testimonies about the power of St. Anthony’s abilities.

In Padua, Italy, Roberto, my home-stay host, was showing us the historical points in the city center. We rounded a corner to come upon a large brick and marble church with loads of kiosk stands in the square lying in its shadow. Candles, postcards and small statuettes were for sale. Above the main entrance was a large statue of a monk holding a child and a lily. We were about to enter the Basilica di Sant’Antonio— the cathedral which houses the tomb of St. Anthony! I found him!

Saint Anthony has many believers. You can give an offering (read: donation) and share a story near his raised, white, marble tomb. There are many people who thank him for helping their sick children, parents and loved ones. They will make a gift and attach a photo next to his resting place. You can also walk around the backside and touch his tomb. I did.

Again, I’m not Catholic, but I am grateful for him. I don’t know that St. Anthony is spending all of eternity looking for my other shoe, but I like the thought of getting a little help when I am crazy like this. And, he’s the first saint I ever learned about. I just plain like him. Not enough to check out his bits and bones in the relic chapel, but I dig ‘em.  

Like any good museum, we exited through the gift store. There were rosary beads, crucifixes, crosses and books for sale. While my friends browsed, I spotted a book of St. Anthony’s miracles listed in order. Apparently, he brought children back from the dead, made paralyzed men walk, helped blind women see, as well as hundreds of other amazing feats. I didn’t see any listing for finding lost things, but maybe that’s just understood.

Prayer to St. Antony
O God, our good and merciful Father, who chose Saint Antony as a witness to the Gospel and a messenger of peace among your people, hear the prayer that we send to you through the Saint’s intercession. Sanctify our families, and help them to grow in faith. May our homes be blessed with unity, peace and serenity. Bless our children, and protect our young. Lend your help to those who are afflicted by sickness, suffering or solitude. Help us face our everyday trails by giving us your love. Through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

You may also send a personal message via email to dearsaintanthony@santantonio.org. I’m not kidding.

www.carosantantonio.it

June 22, 2011 | Categories: travel | Tags: italy, keys, lost items, Padova, Padua, St. Anthony, travel | Leave a comment