When I first met St. Anthony of Padua, I didn’t expect much more than help finding my lost car keys back in High School. Like many Catholics, my earliest interactions with him were simple and somewhat transactional: “Tony, Tony, look around, something’s lost and must be found.” It became second nature to call on him when I misplaced things—and he always came through. But what began as a practical habit quietly grew into something deeper, richer, and more beautiful: a personal relationship with a saint who, over time, has become one of my closest spiritual companions. My main man.
The Patron Saint of Lost Things (and Much More)
It’s easy to reduce saints to titles: St. Jude for hopeless cases, St. Christopher for safe travels, and of course, St. Anthony for lost items. But these men and women were real people with rich spiritual lives, deep love for Christ, and hearts that still burn for God’s people. I didn’t fully appreciate that until I started learning more about St. Anthony.
During college, life was full—friends, late nights, laughter, and a steady blur of activity. I was having fun, making memories, and figuring out who I was. But underneath all of that, there was a quiet restlessness I couldn’t shake. I wouldn’t have said I was “lost” at the time, but in hindsight, that’s exactly what I was—spiritually wandering, searching for something more, even if I couldn’t name it yet.
That’s when St. Anthony started showing up in a new way. I still asked for help when I misplaced things (which happened often in a shared dorm), but gradually, I found myself turning to him for more than that. When I felt unanchored or uncertain, I’d say a quick prayer. When I wrestled with questions about purpose or faith, I’d find myself whispering his name almost instinctively. His quiet, steady presence became a kind of spiritual thread through those chaotic, formative years.
The more I prayed to him, the more I began to talk with him—not just when I had lost something, but when I felt lost spiritually, emotionally, or mentally. And that’s when something changed. What started as a practical devotion became a personal friendship.
St. Anthony, My Spiritual Companion
Over time, I found myself turning to St. Anthony for much more than his famous intercession. I sought his guidance when I struggled to hear God’s voice and asked for his help when I needed to speak truth with clarity and love. I prayed for his protection over those I love and his wisdom in my own journey toward holiness.
He has become my spiritual “go-to”—not because I idolize him, but because I trust him. He always points me back to Christ, always reminds me to root myself in the faith, and always encourages me to live generously and respectfully.
“Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak. We are full of words but empty of actions, and therefore are cursed by the Lord, since He Himself cursed the fig tree when He found no fruit but only leaves.”
-St. Anthony of Padua
The above quote by St. Anthony has stayed with me, especially as my relationship with him has deepened. They echo not just his legacy as a preacher, but the essence of the faith journey he invites us into—a life not just of speaking about holiness, but of living it.
Faith In Action
In the routines of daily life, it’s not grand gestures but consistent, humble actions that speak most clearly of our faith. As an ordinary person striving for sainthood, I’ve come to see that living the Gospel—through kindness, integrity, service, and love is the most authentic testimony I could ever give.
When I first called on St. Anthony, it was for lost keys. My prayers were mostly requests, words. But over time, through his quiet and consistent intercession, I began to understand that faith wasn’t just something I spoke, it was something I needed to embody. His life, so rich in both word and deed, reminded me that the Gospel isn’t truly preached unless it’s lived.
St. Anthony was a saint that didn’t merely teach Scripture; he let it shape him. His actions spoke, and that’s what began to speak to me. In moments when I felt spiritually lost, his example pulled me back—not with grand speeches, but with the witness of a life rooted in Christ.
The Saints: Partners on the Path to Holiness
As Catholics, we believe in the Communion of Saints—that we’re not walking this journey alone. The saints are not distant, dead figures. They are alive in Christ and fully invested in our journey. They are our mentors, friends, and heavenly cheerleaders.
Having a relationship with St. Anthony has shown me just how tangible that communion is. It’s not just about asking for favors. It’s about walking in relationship—with someone who knows Jesus intimately and wants to help me know Him better, too.
In a world that often feels overwhelming and isolating, the saints remind us that holiness is possible, and even more, that it’s desirable. They’ve lived the Gospel in their time and place, and now they help us live it in ours. And through their example and intercession, they guide us toward true flourishing—not the fleeting success the world offers, but the deep peace and joy that come from knowing and loving God.
Still My Patron of Lost Things… and So Much More
I still pray to St. Anthony when I misplace something (he hasn’t let me down yet). But today, my devotion goes far beyond that. He’s not just the finder of lost items—he’s the saint who helped me find deeper faith, greater trust, and a more vibrant relationship with God.
So yes, St. Anthony is still my “go-to,” but not just for my car keys…he’s my spiritual big brother, my guide, and my friend. And I thank God for the day I called on him for something small—because it opened the door to something eternal.
Prayer to St. Anthony
St. Anthony, I implore you to be my constant intercessor before the Lord. Help me to grow in holiness, to seek what is lost in my heart, and to walk in greater love and truth. Through your prayers, may I be strengthened on this path to heaven. Amen.
