St. Anthony

Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua.  For generations, Saint Anthony of Padua was the go-to saint for finding lost items. But what few realize is that this beloved Franciscan saint was a fiercely intelligent, holy friar who lived what he preached. He was a theologian, a teacher, and a holy religious who gave his life to God.  I have fond memories of celebrating this Feast on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx as a child.  We would go to the Feast Day Mass and then attend the procession before enjoying the games and food that was everywhere.  As the youngest in my family I have the fond memory of pinning a dollar on the St. Anthony statue that was being processed through the neighborhood.  It was a fun time, a family time and a time that centered around faith.  In recent years St. Anthony has definitely become my “go to person” for lost objects – “St. Anthony, come around, something is lost that must be found” is frequently uttered.  As we commemorate this great saint today let us remember that he was more than a great “lost and found!”

Pat Schifini, OSU