On June 13, the Catholic Church celebrates Saint Anthony of Padua, Franciscan priest known for being the patron saint of lost objects, lovers and the poor.
Around this day, some devotees resort to various manifestations of faith to attend the intercession of Saint Anthony, such as baking, blessing and giving bread; take the pets to the temple to receive the blessing and even turn the image of the saint upside down.
“The tradition of Saint Anthony’s bread is related to his great love for the poor and also to the various stories of favors received through his intercession. As a sign of gratitude, many people offer bread to be distributed to those who need it most. For this reason, Blessing and sharing the bread of Saint Anthony is a gesture of charity and Christian solidarity that should also motivate us to help others, especially those most in need.”, explains Father Luis René Sandoval, director of Communication of the Archbishopric of Guatemala.
As for the blessing of pets, it is a tradition that is usually associated with Saint Francis of Assisi, but it has been extended to the feast of Saint Anthony of Padua because they belong to the same Franciscan family, which expresses its love for nature through this practice, as a way of thanking God for creation and for animals.
Many people also trust Saint Anthony in situations of difficulty or loss, as he is considered the patron saint of lost objects and, according to Father Luis René Sandoval, this is because There is an ancient tradition in the Church that the saint helped recover an important book that had been lost.
“He is also the patron saint of the poor for his constant defense of those in need and for his commitment to justice and charity,” adds the priest.
Should San Antonio be turned upside down?
Devotion to Saint Anthony of Padua reaches those in love, as he is also considered the patron saint of couples. This faith tradition arises because promoted the value of Christian marriage and family life.
However, some come to him with practices that the Catholic Church considers “non-Christian,” such as turning the image of the saint upside down to ask him to help find a partner.
“Some people tend to put it on its head, but The Church does not approve of this superstition or practices that attempt to force a saint to grant favors. Saints are friends and intercessors before God, but they are not magical objects”, assures the priest.
Add that the correct thing is ask the intercession of Saint Anthony of Padua with faith, trust and Christian spirit, always seeking the will of God, but not forcing him by turning him upside down“because it also has no real effect and we know that superstitions are far from our Christian life.”
Follower of Saint Francis of Assisi
According to the Vatican media outlet, Vatican News, Saint Anthony of Padua was born in 1195, probably on August 15, in Lisbon, Portugal, and He was baptized with the name of Fernando.
At the age of 15 he entered the Order of Canons Regular of Saint Augustine, where he prepared for the priesthood in Coimbra, Portugal, at the Monastery of Santa Cruz. He was ordained at the age of 24 and then decided to leave the Augustinian canons and follow in the footsteps of Francis of Assisi.
He chose to be called Antonio and go to Morocco, where he contracted an illness that forced him to rest and return to Lisbon. After recovering, he arrived in Assisi in 1221, where Francis had summoned all his brothers. In a simple meeting, Antonio met Francis and strengthened his choice to follow Christ in the Franciscan fraternity. Later he was sent to Romagna, to the Montepaolo retreat, where he dedicated himself to prayer, meditation, penance and humble work.
“He was a great preacher, knowledgeable about the Holy Scriptures, the Bible and defender of the poor. His testimony of holiness was so great that, after his death in 1231, he was canonized in less than a year and the Church also recognizes him as ‘Saint Anthony of Padua, Doctor of the Church.‘”, explains Father Luis René Sandoval.
He adds that the life of this saint invites us to deeply love God, to know and live his word, to announce the gospel with joy and consistency and, above all, to help those who need it most. Among its virtues are:
- Love of the word of God
- Modesty
- Spirit of prayer
- Charity towards the poor
- Fidelity to the Church
- Courage to announce the gospel
“It is important that the feast of Saint Anthony grants us and encourages us with a special grace from God, that brings us closer to him and helps us to live with our brothers and sisters and to always trust in the providence of the Lord, following the example of this great saint of the Church. May Saint Anthony of Padua be our example and our help on this day,” he concludes.
