NOVENA TO SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH – DAY 1

St. Anthony of Padua was a Franciscan friar, known as a gifted preacher and for his closeness to Christ. He is widely known as the patron saint of lost items, he is also revered for his intercession as the Patron saint of the Poor, Lost Things, Oppressed People, Lost souls, Lost People, Miracles, Custody of the Holy Land, Pregnancy, The Sick, The Hungry, Animals, Travelers, Finding One’s Spouse. Join the online Catholic Community they embark on a period of 9 days novena in his honour. Today is day 1

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Our help is in the name of the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

HYMN

O glorious St. Anthony,
Patron of the lost,
We turn to you with hearts in need,
In you, we put our trust.

As we seek your intercession,
Guide us on our way,
O blessed St. Anthony,
Hear our prayers, we pray.

OPENING PRAYER:

Dear St. Anthony, humble servant of God and beloved patron of the lost, we gather here today to seek your intercession. You were known for your powerful preaching, miracles, and unwavering faith. As we begin this novena, we ask for your guidance and help in our lives. We humbly bring our intentions before you and ask for your intercession. (Mention your intention or intentions here.) Pray for us and obtain from God the graces we need. Amen.

BIOGRAPHY, DAY 1 (Early Life and Conversion):

St. Anthony of Padua was born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1195. He was baptized as Fernando Martins. As a young man, he joined the Canons Regular of St. Augustine and dedicated himself to a life of prayer and study. However, his life took a significant turn when the remains of five Franciscan martyrs who died in Morocco were brought to his monastery. Inspired by their heroic witness, he decided to join the Franciscan Order, taking the name Anthony.

SHORT MEDITATION/PRAYER: Reflect on the life of St. Anthony of Padua, his love for God, and his devotion to the poor and needy. Consider his humility and his unwavering faith in the power of God’s love. Take a moment to reflect on how you can emulate these virtues in your own life.

St. Anthony, you embraced a life of humility, recognizing that true greatness lies in serving others. Teach us to humble ourselves before God and to seek His will above our own. Help us to put others’ needs before our own and to approach life with a spirit of selflessness and compassion.

LITANY OF SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

St. Anthony of Padua, pray for us.
St. Anthony, renowned for your holiness, pray for us.
St. Anthony, powerful intercessor, pray for us.
St. Anthony, dispenser of divine graces, pray for us.
St. Anthony, full of zeal for the Gospel, pray for us.
St. Anthony, converter of hardened hearts, pray for us.
St. Anthony, healer of the sick, pray for us.
St. Anthony, comforter of the afflicted, pray for us.
St. Anthony, finder of lost things, pray for us.
St. Anthony, model of humility, pray for us.
St. Anthony, renowned preacher, pray for us.
St. Anthony, defender of truth, pray for us.
St. Anthony, example of charity, pray for us.
St. Anthony, protector of the oppressed, pray for us.
St. Anthony, guide of souls, pray for us.
St. Anthony, patron of the poor, pray for us.
St. Anthony, gentle and kind, pray for us.
St. Anthony, friend of the Holy Infant, pray for us.

Pray for us, O blessed St. Anthony, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:

O Holy St. Anthony, you have shown us the way to grow in holiness through your example of faith, humility, and love. As we begin this novena, we ask for your powerful intercession. Help us to find what is lost, to grow in our love for God, and to embrace a life of selflessness and service. We place our intentions before you, confident in your intercession. (Mention your intention or intentions here). O beloved St. Anthony, pray for us and obtain from God the graces we need to live as faithful disciples. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAYER TO ST. ANTHONY FOR LOST ITEMS/PERSONS/AND OTHER VALUABLE RESOURCES (OPTIONAL)

Dear St. Anthony, you are the patron saint of lost things and the finder of the misplaced. I come before you today with a heavy heart, as I have lost something dear to me (Mention this valuable thing/person). I ask for your intercession and guidance in helping me find what has been lost. St. Anthony, you have been known to work miracles and assist those in need. I humbly ask that you turn your compassionate gaze toward my situation. Please pray for me and ask our loving Father in Heaven to grant me the grace of finding the lost item I seek. In moments of distress and confusion, you have been a beacon of hope for countless souls. I place my trust in your intercession and in God’s providence. Help me remain patient and calm as I search for what is lost, and open my eyes to see any hints or signs that may lead me to its discovery. St. Anthony, I believe in your powerful intercession and in the goodness of God’s plan for me. If it is in accordance with His will, I pray that my lost item may be returned to me. But above all, may I not find this lost item(s)/person(s) if it would make me a lost soul, depriving me of my eternal salvation, and may I grow in faith and surrender to God’s loving care, knowing that He is with me in every circumstance of life. Thank you, dear St. Anthony, for your attentiveness and compassion. I will always be grateful for your assistance and will do all in my power to promote devotion to you. Amen.

Shalom!
Compiled by Fr. Chinaka Justin Mbaeri, OSJ
Paroquia Nossa Senhora de Loreto, São Paulo, Brazil
nozickcjoe@gmail.com / fadacjay@gmail.com
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PS: Have you prayed your Rosary today?