After work that night, I went to the Adoration Chapel at Saint Dominic Church in Benicia. While praying inside the chapel, I found myself reflecting deeply and asking:

How can I truly celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Anthony of Padua when, in truth, I barely know him?

I recalled attending school at Saint Anthony in Manila, offering countless prayers during those years—many of which were graciously answered. Yet, I realized I had never taken fthe time to understand him deeply. Yes, it was clear: I needed to know him more.

“After my silent prayers, I reached for my phone and opened the Scrib app to read the story of Saint Anthony

After concluding my prayers, I walked to my car. Just as I was about to drive away, Arlene came over and inquired about the retreat I had mentioned earlier.”

A spiritual retreat in California by Father James “

Blount S O L T

My friend told me there was someone inside who was sick and in need of a healing prayer. We went in and prayed over her. During my prayer, I asked St. Anthony to intercede for her healing. Later, she confided in me that at the very moment we approached her, she had been praying to St. Anthony as well.

She shared that her mother had given her a prayer book and that she had been praying to St. Anthony for her healing. Earlier that evening, a deacon had visited and left a gift for my friend Arlene—a brown bag containing a blessed St. Anthony statue.

As I prepared to take a photo of her gift, my phone battery unexpectedly died. Instead, Arlene used her phone to take a picture of me with the St. Anthony statue. It was 11:38 PM.

.When I got home and turned on the television, it was tuned to EWTN, the Catholic TV program. To my amazement, they had just begun airing the story of Saint Anthony—the very saint story that I read earlier that evening. I watched intently, deeply moved by his life and the miracles

Saint Paul Church Story

The next day, during my afternoon break at work, I went to Saint Paul Church in San Pablo, California, for confession.

After I shared my story about Saint Anthony with the priest, he listened intently. When we finished, he stepped out of the confessional box briefly and returned holding a handful of rosaries, which he handed to me with a kind smile.

Then, he gestured toward the statue of Saint Anthony and said, “He is looking at us.” His words left me with a deep sense of reassurance and connection, as though Saint Anthony’s presence was undeniably close.

He then asked for my name, and I told him, “My name is John.” Smiling warmly, he said, “I’ll call you John Anthony.” Then, with a twinkle in his eye, he added, “Today is my birthday.

Look at Saint Anthony—he’s waving at us.” His words and the moment felt profoundly special, as if Saint Anthony’s blessings were tangibly present.

Thank you Saint Anthony.

Who is Saint Anthony

Saint Anthony of Padua was a prolific writer and preacher, and his writings and sermons have been preserved and revered by the Catholic Church. Some of his notable writings include:

1. Sermons: He wrote many sermons on various topics, including the Bible, the Virgin Mary, and the lives of the saints.

2. Letters: He wrote letters to his fellow friars, offering guidance and encouragement.

3. Treatises: He wrote treatises on theological topics, such as the nature of God and the sacraments.

4. Poems: He wrote poems and hymns, some of which are still used in Catholic liturgies today.

Some of his most famous writings include:

1. “The Sermones” (Sermons): A collection of his sermons on various topics.

2. “The Epistulae” (Letters): A collection of his letters to his fellow friars.

3. “The Tractatus de Divina Providentia” (Treatise on Divine Providence): A treatise on the nature of God’s providence.

4. “The Poema de Beata Virgine” (Poem on the Blessed Virgin): A poem in honor of the Virgin Mary.

Saint Anthony’s writings are known for their beauty, wisdom, and spiritual insight, and are still studied and revered by Catholics today.

Here is a novena to Saint Anthony ¹:

Day 1:

– O holy St. Anthony, you are known for the power and abundance of your miracles.

– Jesus came into your arms as a humble little child.

– Pray for me to the Child Jesus for my needs and desires…

– Mention your intentions

– In imitation of our Lord, you have great mercy and compassion for sinners.

– Pay no attention to my unworthiness, but instead ask God to show His glory through the answer of my requests.

– Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and Glory Be to the Father, in honor of Saint Anthony.

– Saint Anthony, pray for us!

Day 2-9:

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

– Amen.

– O holy St. Anthony, you are known for the power and abundance of your miracles.

– Jesus came into your arms as a humble little child.

– Pray for me to the Child Jesus for my needs and desires…

– Mention your intentions

– In imitation of our Lord, you have great mercy and compassion for sinners.

– Pay no attention to my unworthiness, but instead ask God to show His glory through the answer of my requests.

– Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and Glory Be to the Father, in honor of Saint Anthony.

– Saint Anthony, pray for us!

Saints

Saints have extraordinary stories of love and transformation, reminding us that they were human like us, facing struggles and moments of grace. Their journeys inspire us, showing that if they could rise above challenges, we can too in our own time and way. By learning about their lives, we gain not just inspiration but also guidance on living with faith and purpose.

Personally, I’ve found great joy in fostering a connection with many saints, feeling truly blessed by their intercession and the answered prayers.

What happened before happened again this time on the Feast day of Saint Joseph.

Saint Anthony of Padua had a profound reverence for the Holy Eucharist, which was a central aspect of his spirituality and ministry. He believed in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist and often preached about its importance. Some examples of his reverence include:

1. Eucharistic Adoration: He spent hours in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, contemplation, and prayer.

2. Eucharistic Processions: He participated in and led processions with the Blessed Sacrament, honoring the Presence of Christ.

3. Preaching: He preached passionately about the Eucharist, emphasizing its significance and encouraging frequent reception.

4. Miracle of the Mule: As I mentioned earlier, he challenged a heretic to a test of faith, which resulted in a mule bowing down before a consecrated host, demonstrating the Presence of Christ.

5. Personal Devotion: He often carried a small pyx containing a consecrated host with him, showing his deep personal devotion to the Eucharist.

Saint Anthony’s reverence for the Eucharist was instrumental in spreading devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and countering heresies that denied the Real Presence. His legacy continues to inspire Eucharistic devotion and adoration in the Catholic Church.

Just make me smile to see this store in Napa