Saint Anthony of Padua was born in Lisbon, Portugal, on June 13, 1231 (https://shorturl.at/Jy3N0). When he was 15 years old, he entered the order of St. Augustine where he studied Augustinian theology for 11 years. Later, he got immersed in Franciscan teaching (https://shorturl.at/McExL).
Notoriously known as “the patron saint of lost objects” (https://shorturl.at/McExL), Saint Anthony helps people find lost objects. You just have to connect with him, and ask him for help, just like you do with a trustworthy friend. At least that was the advice of Bambi’s mother to her children since their childhood.
Maybe, like Bambi, you have wondered why a religious man is specialized in finding lost objects? Well, Saint Anthony of Padua had a valuable book of psalms where he made annotations in the margins. He used this book to teach theology (https://shorturl.at/McExL). A new trainee was suspected of stealing his book on his way out of the Franciscan monastery. Saint Anthony prayed for the return of his highly cherished item. He was relieved when, shortly after, this individual returned the book and even sought his forgiveness (https://shorturl.at/McExL). What a lovely end of the story, isn’t it?
This being said, why is Saint Anthony keen to support us when he does not know us or even know what our lost object means to us? Maybe this cherished item is a gift from a loved one? Maybe it has an emotional value, worth billions of dollars to us? Who knows? maybe it is made of gold, the mot precious of metals? Mind you, a lost object can be a toy or any little thing we play with, even if it not practically needed or cherished. When we are upset or sad because of a lost object,
Regardless, when we are frustrated after loosing an item, Saint Anthony is “our” guy or the man of the situation. We do not have to be Christian, not even Catholic, to benefit from his sweet services :). Of course, in addition to reaching out to him, we must keep physically looking for our lost object (yes an action is required, even with prayer). Ideally, the latter would be done while trying to use our memory to reconstruct the last steps prior to where we suspect we had this object last.
When it comes to the Middle East, since the past decades and especially now, the residents of this beautiful yet highly volatile region have lost their basic needs, namely their sense of dignity, safety, and hope for brighter days. Why don’t their leaders dare to envision peace? For a change, how about wisely working for conflict resolution (not just an application of temporary patches)? Wouldn’t this be more productive than the endless and senseless violence? Like people residing in other parts of the world, don’t Middle-Eastern people deserve to benefit from peaceful co-existence among nations and from enriching exchanges (i.e., economically, scientifically, medically, culturally, and humanly)?
Thus, to conclude this post and if she may, Bambi urges Saint Anthony of Padua to inspire the Middle East to find or create HOPE for a path of dignity, safety, humanity, peace, and of love among individuals from its various nations and tribes.
Fond memories of George Carlin recounting his prayers to Saint Anthony to help him find his keys.