St. Anthony of Padua is best known as the patron of lost things. For centuries, Catholics have asked his help in finding what they've lost: keys, documents, valuables, and even lost faith.
Short Prayer for Lost Things
Saint Anthony, Saint Anthony, please come around; something is lost and cannot be found.
This simple rhyme is beloved by Catholic families everywhere. Children learn it early, and adults still pray it when the keys go missing.
Traditional Prayer to St. Anthony
For any special request:
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 you to obtain for me (mention 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 ever be yours. Amen.
When to Pray It
- When you have lost something important
- When you need help with a difficult request
- On Tuesdays, traditionally dedicated to St. Anthony
- On his feast day, June 13
Who Is St. Anthony?
St. Anthony was born in Lisbon, Portugal, around 1195. He first became an Augustinian priest, then joined the young Franciscan order, inspired by Franciscan missionaries who had been martyred.
He became one of the greatest preachers of his time, known for his deep knowledge of Scripture and his care for the poor. He died in Padua, Italy, in 1231, at about 36 years old. He was canonized less than a year later, one of the fastest canonizations in the Church's history.
In 1946, Pope Pius XII declared him a Doctor of the Church.
He is usually shown holding the Child Jesus and a lily or a book.
Why Is He the Patron of Lost Things?
According to tradition, a young novice who was leaving the community took St. Anthony's book of psalms, a precious handwritten book he used for teaching. Anthony prayed for its return. The novice came back, returned the book, and rejoined the community.
Since then, Catholics have asked St. Anthony to help them find what is lost.
Caring for the Poor
St. Anthony is also the patron of the poor. Many churches have St. Anthony's Bread boxes, where people give alms to the poor in thanksgiving for prayers answered through his intercession.