The Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony
When The House was only a babe, intercession to Saint Anthony was the norm when something was lost or misplaced. Naturally, this practice carried through to adulthood, and The House can personally attest to his powers to help you find something that has been mislaid. Sometimes it takes a while, but the prayer never fails.
Saint Anthony of Padua, as he is formally known by Roman Catholics, was born in Lisbon, Portugal. He was canonized in 1232, and his feast day is on June 13. He has an endless list of groups, places, and conditions for which he is the patron saint, but he is most well-known for being the patron saint of lost items (and lost people and souls for that matter). In parts of Africa, he is venerated as Toni Malau, the Saint of Good Fortune.
So here it is, for your reference…The Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony:
“O Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of Saints, your love for God and Charity for his creatures made you worthy, when on Earth, to possess miraculous powers.
Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety.
Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me {your request}.
The answer to my prayer may require a miracle. Even so, you are the Saint of Miracles.
O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms; and the gratitude of my heart will be forever yours. Amen.”
Saint Anthony holding the infant Jesus; House of Good Fortune Collection
Addendum: Additional Validation of the Unfailing Quality of this Prayer
28 May 2024. A few days ago, The House’s Spouse returned from a trip and became distraught upon the realization that an anniversary gift purchased for The House was missing. After looking through the luggage numerous times, the Spouse started calling around to various places where the gift might have been left. Each call was met with, “we’ll look.” Three days passed and the Spouse was frustrated that the gift had not been found. Sensing desperation, The House suggested calling upon Saint Anthony for intercession.
Now, the House’s Spouse is both a skeptic and a member of the Jewish faith and therefore unfamiliar with this practice. The House asked for trust, got a candle and a statue of Saint Anthony, and recited the prayer.
“It might take a while, but it always works…”
THE NEXT DAY, the Spouse got a call from a hotel in Los Angeles. The gift had been found.
Thank you, Saint Anthony, for working your miracles.