I have always been drawn to St. Anthony. He has always felt like a dear friend to me. Do I ask for his intercession when I lose things? Definitely more times than I would like to admit, but that's not why he is one of my favorite saints., but rather his commitment to preaching the gospel. He was a fantastic preacher! So, with the feast day of St. Anthony being June 13th, I thought I would share my experience of visiting the Basilica di Santo Antonio in Italy.
The basilica is beautiful, with large frescoes depicting the life of St. Anthony. However, it was not the artwork that made my heart race. The moment I walked into the basilica, I felt like I had entered a good friend's home. There is no mistaking Saint Anthony's presence. I wish I could explain it more clearly, but my heart felt warm as if I had just been embraced by a close friend. I prayed by his tomb and then by the relics displayed behind the glass enclosure. His holy tongue and vocal cords still remain intact hundreds of years later. I imagined how amazing it would have been to listen to St Anthony teach and preach with the power of the Holy Spirit! He touched the lives of so many during his lifetime and still continues to do so.
I would like to share a portion of one of St. Anthony's prayers. "You who made the darkness and the light put forth your hand and touch my mouth. Make it like a sharp sword to utter eloquently your words, make my tongue, O Lord, like a chosen arrow to declare faithfully your wonders. Put your Spirit, O Lord, in my heart that I may perceive. Put it in my soul that I may retain. Put it in my conscience that I may meditate. Lovingly, holily, mercifully, clemently, and gently inspire me with Your grace." There is no doubt that God answered "yes" to his prayer.
-Susan
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