Novena to St. Anthony of Padua

Day 1

Called to Holiness

Anthony’s holiness began with a generous answer to God’s call. He left comfort and familiar plans because he desired to belong completely to Christ. Your circumstances may be different, but the same call reaches you through prayer, duty, sacrifice, and love of neighbor. Ask St. Anthony to help you recognize where God is inviting greater fidelity. Holiness grows when you respond to grace in the ordinary choices placed before you and entrust the results to God.

If miracles thou fain would see, Lo, error, death, calamity, The leprous stain, the demon flies, From beds of pain the sick arise. The hungry seas forgo their prey, The prisoner’s cruel chains give way; While palsied limbs and chattels lost Both young and old recovered boast. And perils perish, plenty’s hoard Is heaped on hunger’s famished board; Let those relate who know it well, Let Padua of her patron tell. The hungry seas forgo their prey, The prisoner’s cruel chains give way; While palsied limbs and chattels lost Both young and old recovered boast. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. The hungry seas forgo their prey, The prisoner’s cruel chains give way; While palsied limbs and chattels lost Both young and old recovered boast. V. Pray for us, blessed Anthony. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray. O God, may the votive commemoration of blessed Anthony, Thy Confessor and Doctor, be a source of joy to Thy people, that they may always be strengthened by his spiritual assistance and deserve eternal rewards. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Day 2

Courageous Surrender

Anthony desired to preach the Gospel even at the cost of his life. Illness changed his plans, yet God used that disappointment to guide him toward a fruitful ministry of preaching and service. Your own plans may also be interrupted by weakness, delay, or circumstances beyond your control. Ask for the grace to surrender without bitterness. St. Anthony can help you trust that obedience to God is never wasted, even when the path before you differs from the one you expected.

If miracles thou fain would see, Lo, error, death, calamity, The leprous stain, the demon flies, From beds of pain the sick arise. The hungry seas forgo their prey, The prisoner’s cruel chains give way; While palsied limbs and chattels lost Both young and old recovered boast. And perils perish, plenty’s hoard Is heaped on hunger’s famished board; Let those relate who know it well, Let Padua of her patron tell. The hungry seas forgo their prey, The prisoner’s cruel chains give way; While palsied limbs and chattels lost Both young and old recovered boast. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. The hungry seas forgo their prey, The prisoner’s cruel chains give way; While palsied limbs and chattels lost Both young and old recovered boast. V. Pray for us, blessed Anthony. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray. O God, may the votive commemoration of blessed Anthony, Thy Confessor and Doctor, be a source of joy to Thy people, that they may always be strengthened by his spiritual assistance and deserve eternal rewards. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Day 3

Love of Scripture

St. Anthony knew Sacred Scripture deeply and proclaimed it with clarity. His learning served faith because it was joined to prayer, humility, and concern for souls. You can follow his example by receiving God’s word with reverence and allowing it to correct your thoughts and actions. Ask St. Anthony to obtain for you a sincere hunger for Scripture. Let the words of Christ take root in your heart so that your speech, decisions, and relationships may bear faithful witness to the Gospel.

If miracles thou fain would see, Lo, error, death, calamity, The leprous stain, the demon flies, From beds of pain the sick arise. The hungry seas forgo their prey, The prisoner’s cruel chains give way; While palsied limbs and chattels lost Both young and old recovered boast. And perils perish, plenty’s hoard Is heaped on hunger’s famished board; Let those relate who know it well, Let Padua of her patron tell. The hungry seas forgo their prey, The prisoner’s cruel chains give way; While palsied limbs and chattels lost Both young and old recovered boast. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. The hungry seas forgo their prey, The prisoner’s cruel chains give way; While palsied limbs and chattels lost Both young and old recovered boast. V. Pray for us, blessed Anthony. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray. O God, may the votive commemoration of blessed Anthony, Thy Confessor and Doctor, be a source of joy to Thy people, that they may always be strengthened by his spiritual assistance and deserve eternal rewards. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Day 4

Franciscan Poverty

Anthony chose the poverty of the Franciscan life so that Christ could become his true treasure. Christian poverty does not despise created goods. It receives them gratefully and refuses to make them the measure of security or worth. Consider whether possessions, comfort, or fear of loss are limiting your freedom to love. Ask St. Anthony for a simpler and more generous heart. God provides what is needed and teaches you to use every gift for his glory and the good of others.

If miracles thou fain would see, Lo, error, death, calamity, The leprous stain, the demon flies, From beds of pain the sick arise. The hungry seas forgo their prey, The prisoner’s cruel chains give way; While palsied limbs and chattels lost Both young and old recovered boast. And perils perish, plenty’s hoard Is heaped on hunger’s famished board; Let those relate who know it well, Let Padua of her patron tell. The hungry seas forgo their prey, The prisoner’s cruel chains give way; While palsied limbs and chattels lost Both young and old recovered boast. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. The hungry seas forgo their prey, The prisoner’s cruel chains give way; While palsied limbs and chattels lost Both young and old recovered boast. V. Pray for us, blessed Anthony. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray. O God, may the votive commemoration of blessed Anthony, Thy Confessor and Doctor, be a source of joy to Thy people, that they may always be strengthened by his spiritual assistance and deserve eternal rewards. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Day 5

Seeking What Is Lost

Catholics often ask St. Anthony’s help in finding lost things, but his intercession also directs the heart toward what has been spiritually lost. Peace, hope, friendship, or fidelity may need to be recovered through grace and honest repentance. Bring your practical needs to him with confidence, while remaining open to the deeper work God desires. Ask St. Anthony to help you seek first the kingdom of God and to recognize Christ as the treasure that can never be taken away.

If miracles thou fain would see, Lo, error, death, calamity, The leprous stain, the demon flies, From beds of pain the sick arise. The hungry seas forgo their prey, The prisoner’s cruel chains give way; While palsied limbs and chattels lost Both young and old recovered boast. And perils perish, plenty’s hoard Is heaped on hunger’s famished board; Let those relate who know it well, Let Padua of her patron tell. The hungry seas forgo their prey, The prisoner’s cruel chains give way; While palsied limbs and chattels lost Both young and old recovered boast. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. The hungry seas forgo their prey, The prisoner’s cruel chains give way; While palsied limbs and chattels lost Both young and old recovered boast. V. Pray for us, blessed Anthony. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray. O God, may the votive commemoration of blessed Anthony, Thy Confessor and Doctor, be a source of joy to Thy people, that they may always be strengthened by his spiritual assistance and deserve eternal rewards. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Day 6

Trust in God

The miracles associated with St. Anthony point beyond the saint to the mercy and power of God. Anthony intercedes as a faithful friend of Christ, while every grace comes from the Lord. Pray confidently for the help you need, but place the answer within God’s wisdom. A delayed or unexpected answer does not mean that your prayer has been ignored. Ask St. Anthony to strengthen your trust, especially when you cannot see how God is working for your salvation and lasting good.

If miracles thou fain would see, Lo, error, death, calamity, The leprous stain, the demon flies, From beds of pain the sick arise. The hungry seas forgo their prey, The prisoner’s cruel chains give way; While palsied limbs and chattels lost Both young and old recovered boast. And perils perish, plenty’s hoard Is heaped on hunger’s famished board; Let those relate who know it well, Let Padua of her patron tell. The hungry seas forgo their prey, The prisoner’s cruel chains give way; While palsied limbs and chattels lost Both young and old recovered boast. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. The hungry seas forgo their prey, The prisoner’s cruel chains give way; While palsied limbs and chattels lost Both young and old recovered boast. V. Pray for us, blessed Anthony. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray. O God, may the votive commemoration of blessed Anthony, Thy Confessor and Doctor, be a source of joy to Thy people, that they may always be strengthened by his spiritual assistance and deserve eternal rewards. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Day 7

Nearness to Jesus

St. Anthony is often pictured holding the Infant Jesus. This beloved image reminds you that his holiness came from closeness to Christ. Prayer is more than presenting requests. It is time spent in the presence of the Lord who knows and loves you. Ask St. Anthony to lead you toward a more attentive friendship with Jesus. Let your petition draw you nearer to Christ through the Eucharist, repentance, and faithful prayer, so that receiving the Lord himself becomes your deepest desire.

If miracles thou fain would see, Lo, error, death, calamity, The leprous stain, the demon flies, From beds of pain the sick arise. The hungry seas forgo their prey, The prisoner’s cruel chains give way; While palsied limbs and chattels lost Both young and old recovered boast. And perils perish, plenty’s hoard Is heaped on hunger’s famished board; Let those relate who know it well, Let Padua of her patron tell. The hungry seas forgo their prey, The prisoner’s cruel chains give way; While palsied limbs and chattels lost Both young and old recovered boast. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. The hungry seas forgo their prey, The prisoner’s cruel chains give way; While palsied limbs and chattels lost Both young and old recovered boast. V. Pray for us, blessed Anthony. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray. O God, may the votive commemoration of blessed Anthony, Thy Confessor and Doctor, be a source of joy to Thy people, that they may always be strengthened by his spiritual assistance and deserve eternal rewards. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Day 8

Love for the Poor

Anthony’s preaching defended the poor and called sinners to conversion. Devotion to him should awaken the same concern for people who suffer from hunger, loneliness, injustice, or neglect. Your prayer becomes more fruitful when it opens your heart to works of mercy. Ask St. Anthony to show you one concrete way to serve someone in need. Even a quiet act of generosity can reveal the tenderness of Christ and help you receive your own blessings with greater gratitude and responsibility.

If miracles thou fain would see, Lo, error, death, calamity, The leprous stain, the demon flies, From beds of pain the sick arise. The hungry seas forgo their prey, The prisoner’s cruel chains give way; While palsied limbs and chattels lost Both young and old recovered boast. And perils perish, plenty’s hoard Is heaped on hunger’s famished board; Let those relate who know it well, Let Padua of her patron tell. The hungry seas forgo their prey, The prisoner’s cruel chains give way; While palsied limbs and chattels lost Both young and old recovered boast. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. The hungry seas forgo their prey, The prisoner’s cruel chains give way; While palsied limbs and chattels lost Both young and old recovered boast. V. Pray for us, blessed Anthony. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray. O God, may the votive commemoration of blessed Anthony, Thy Confessor and Doctor, be a source of joy to Thy people, that they may always be strengthened by his spiritual assistance and deserve eternal rewards. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Day 9

Gratitude and Perseverance

As this novena ends, place your intention once more before God through St. Anthony’s intercession. Give thanks before knowing the outcome, because God has already received your prayer and offered you grace during these nine days. Continue in faith if the answer requires patience. Gratitude keeps the heart attentive to blessings that might otherwise pass unnoticed. Ask St. Anthony to help you persevere in prayer, remain faithful in difficulty, and use every favor you receive for the glory of God.

If miracles thou fain would see, Lo, error, death, calamity, The leprous stain, the demon flies, From beds of pain the sick arise. The hungry seas forgo their prey, The prisoner’s cruel chains give way; While palsied limbs and chattels lost Both young and old recovered boast. And perils perish, plenty’s hoard Is heaped on hunger’s famished board; Let those relate who know it well, Let Padua of her patron tell. The hungry seas forgo their prey, The prisoner’s cruel chains give way; While palsied limbs and chattels lost Both young and old recovered boast. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. The hungry seas forgo their prey, The prisoner’s cruel chains give way; While palsied limbs and chattels lost Both young and old recovered boast. V. Pray for us, blessed Anthony. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray. O God, may the votive commemoration of blessed Anthony, Thy Confessor and Doctor, be a source of joy to Thy people, that they may always be strengthened by his spiritual assistance and deserve eternal rewards. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Closing prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. St. Anthony of Padua, pray for us.