Feast of Sant'Antonio di Padova

Sant'Antonio di Padova, ora pro nobis

June 13th is the Feast of Sant'Antonio di Padova (1195-1231), Franciscan Friar, Mystic, Wonderworker, and Doctor of the Church. Affectionately called the "Hammer of Heretics" and "Ark of the Testament," he is invoked to recover lost or stolen items.

On this day in 1799, under the watchful eye of the great saint, Cardinal Fabrizio Ruffo and his Army of the Holy Faith (Sanfedisti) liberated the Kingdom of Naples from the clutches of the Jacobin satellite state (Repubblica Partenopea) propped up by the French army and restored HRH King Ferdinand IV to the throne.

Widely venerated across Southern Italy, Sant'Antonio is the principal patron of Andretta (AV), Montefalcione (AV), Afragola (NA), Anacapri (NA), Fardella (PZ), Oppido Lucano (PZ), Gorgoglione (MT), Rotondella (MT), and Nicastro (CZ), among others. In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer to Saint Anthony of Padua. The accompanying images depict the victorious Cardinal Ruffo leading the Royalist forces under the protection of Saint Anthony. Evviva Sant'Antonio!

Prayer to Saint Anthony of Padua

O glorious St. Anthony, safe refuge of the afflicted and distressed, who by miraculous revelation has directed all those who seek aid to come to Thy altar with the promise that whosoever visits it for nine consecutive Tuesdays, and there piously invokes thee, will feel the power of the intercession. I, a poor sinner, encouraged by this promise, come to thee. O powerful Saint, and with a firm hope I implore thy aid, thy protection, thy counsel and thy blessing. Obtain for me, I beseech thee my request in this necessity. But if it should be opposed to the Will of God and the welfare of my soul, obtain for me such other graces as shall be conducive to my salvation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen