Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Saint Anthony - Part II

     The Collect for the feast of Saint Anthony of Padua is as follows:

Almighty every-living God,
who gave Saint Anthony of Padua to your people
as an outstanding preacher
and an intercessor in their need,
grant that, with his assistance,
as we follow the teachings of the Christian life,
we may know your help in every trial.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen

     Tradition tells us that Anthony was such a gifted preacher that as he walked by the river, even the fish came to the surface to listen.  Sounds fishy to me!   Anthony is always depicted carrying the young Christ child.  Whatever the reason for this, it appears to me that in his role of founder of that which is lost, the most important find, the most important relocating and re-establishment is of our relationship to Christ himself.  We often lose our way, stray from the path, miss the boat.  Anthony can help us find that way again.

SAINT ANTHONY of PADUA,
PRAY FOR US!  


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