UNFAILING NOVENA TO SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH – DAY 8

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 8

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

1. Oh, Anthony, servitude to God fostered salvation,
Thy life built on constant faith revealed in thy oration.
You truly died, and truly were reborn in Christ,
Losing self completely, thus finding a new and fruitful life.

2. Oh Anthony, new star o’er Padua in glory shined.
Sincere humility informed your trust in the Divine.
You left a life of ease and quiet contemplation,
Then sought out a life of sacrifice and dedication.

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 8 (Final days, death, incorrupt tongue and canonization):

In his final years, St. Anthony returned to Padua and dedicated himself to the spiritual care of the friars in the area. His health began to decline, and he knew that his time on Earth was coming to an end. On June 13, 1231, at the age of 36, St. Anthony passed into eternal glory. Right before his death, he went to confession, sang a hymn to the Blessed Mother, and was anointed; he was asked, “Do you see anything?” to which he replied, “I see my Lord.” Upon his death, the children of Padua ran through the streets, crying, “The Holy Father is dead. St. Anthony is dead.” He was canonized in less than a year. Thirty years after his burial, the vault was opened and his body had deteriorated to dust except for his blessed tongue, which he used to teach and preach eloquently to others remained preserved and incorrupt: St. Bonaventure took the tongue in his hands and kissed it, exclaiming, “O Blessed tongue that always praised the Lord, and made others bless Him, now it is evident what great merit thou hast before God.” Moreover, to this day, many faithful have received miracles at the tomb of St. Anthony in Padua. Pope Pius XII declared St. Anthony a Doctor of the Church on January 16, 1946. His apostolic letter began as follows: “Exult, happy Portugal, rejoice, happy Padua; for you have given birth for earth and heaven to a shining star, a man who has illuminated and still dazzles with a radiant light the whole earth, not only by holiness of life and fame of miracles, but by the splendor of his celestial teaching.”

SHORT MEDITATION/PRAYER: Take a moment to reflect on the final days and death of St. Anthony. Reflect on your own final days, a day you do not know about.

St. Anthony, you offered comfort and solace to those who were afflicted, both physically and spiritually till your last breath. Intercede for us in our moments of pain, suffering, and doubt. Help us to find strength and consolation in God’s love and to trust that He is present with us in our trials. Pray for us, that we may find peace and healing in the midst of our afflictions, and when death draws near, may we like you, pass into the glory of the eternal Father.

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?