June 13 is the Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua. In the town in Northern Italy that bears his name, there is great rejoicing today, and throughout the world, all Italians are celebrating as only Italians can, with parades, festivals and of course lots of food, wine, laughter and song ... oh, and a bit of prayer to make all things right.
In the folklore that is the living history of faith, Saint Anthony has become known especially as the patron of lost things. Whenever we lose something, and must find it in a hurry, we say that we should pray to Saint Anthony and he will help us to find what we're looking for. Of course the rest of the story is that if we do end up finding that for which we seek, we should also be willing to thank him by making a donation to the poor whom Saint Anthony loved so much and was so devoted to serving.
The Franciscans, Saint Anthony's community brothers celebrate his renound and pray with us today that not only lost things, but lost persons may also be found, and come to know the inexhaustible depth of love that God has for all his beloved.
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