Along with St. Paul the Hermit, St. Anthony is one of the founders of Christian monasticism. St. Anthony is appealed to by those who are affected by infectious diseases and in Malta, shingles are known as St. Anthony's fire.
Many miracles have been attributed to Saint Anthony, most of them taking place in Padua (and thus his name). One of the most noted of the miracles concerned a young man by the name of Leonardo. One day, in a moment of uncontrollable anger, Leonardo kicked his mother. Truly repentant for this sin, Leonardo confessed to St. Anthony. Saint Anthony told Leonardo that the foot of a man who kicks his mother deserves to be cut off. Leonardo, taking these words to heart, returned home to amputate his foot. When Saint Anthony learned what happened, he immediately went to Leonardo and miraculously healed him.
Saint Anthony of Padua is venerated today as one of the greatest Franciscan Saints.
Prayer to Saint Anthony the Wonder Worker
Saint Anthony, perfect imitator of Jesus, who received from God the special power of restoring lost things, grant that I may find {mention your petition} which has been lost. As least restore to me peace adn tranquility of mind, the loss of which has afflicted me even more than my material loss. To this favor I ask another of you: that I may always remain in possession of the true good that is God.Let me rather lose all things than lose God, my supreme good. Let me never suffer the loss of my greatest treasure, eternal life with God.
Amen
Prayer to Saint Anthony of Padua
Glorious Saint Anthony, I salute you as a good servant of Christ, and a special friend of God. You once were favored to hold the Christ Child in your arms as you cherished His world in your heart. Today I place all my cares, temptations and anxieties in your hands. I resolve ever to honor you by imitating your example. Powerful patron, model of purity and victor over fleshly impulses, please win for me, and for all devoted to you, perfect purity of body, mind and heart. I promise by my example and counsel to help others to the knowledge, love and service of God.
Amen
