UNFAILING NOVENA TO SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH – DAY 4

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 4

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

St. Anthony, light divine,
Shining in our night,
We seek your aid, dear saint,
To find what’s out of sight.

Guide us on our journey,
Bring our prayers above,
St. Anthony, intercede
With your unfailing love.

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 journey through 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 4 (Teacher, Theologian & Finder of Lost Items):

Although primarily known for his preaching, St. Anthony was also a gifted teacher and theologian. He taught theology to his fellow friars and wrote theological treatises that are still studied today. His sermons and writings revealed a profound understanding of Scripture, a deep love for Christ, and a devotion to the Eucharist. St. Anthony is invoked as the patron saint of lost things. A little jingle goes like this: “St. Anthony, please look around; something is lost and must be found.” This attribution comes from an incident where a novice carried off a valuable psalter St. Anthony was using (the Book of Psalms, which today is known as the Divine Office – Liturgy of the Hours). discovering that it was lost, St. Anthony prayed very hard that the psalter would be found. After seeing an alarming apparition of St. Anthony, the novice returned the psalter. However, many suggest he is more importantly the patron of lost souls — those who have fallen to mortal sin, have abandoned the Church, and have grown apathetic to the practice of the faith.

SHORT MEDITATION/PRAYER: Take a moment to reflect on St. Anthony’s reputation as the finder of lost things. Consider the countless individuals who have sought his intercession and experienced the joy of finding what was lost. Reflect on the trust and faith that people have placed in his intercession. Ask St. Anthony to help you find what may be lost in your life, whether it be material possessions, relationships, or spiritual direction.

St. Anthony, you are renowned as the patron of the lost, helping countless people find lost items and, more importantly, finding their way back to God. Intercede for us, that we may find what is lost in our lives — lost faith, lost hope, lost relationships. Help us to rediscover the path that leads us closer to God and to experience His unfailing love and mercy.

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 journey through 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?