It is still a very common custom to pray to St Anthony when we've lost something or other. It would be a pity though if our acquaintance with this saint ended there. He has far more to offer us than merely being in charge of the heavenly "Lost Property" office.

Born in Lisbon in 1195, in his mid-twenties Anthony joined the Franciscan Order. Although he was only thirty six when he died he had a reputation that spread throughout Europe. He was renowned as a preacher, and in his lifetime was popularly known as 'the Hammer of the Heretics'. His shrine still exists in Padua, where he died, and is visited by thousands every year.

We live in a culture that has become too mealy-mouthed. We frequently hear comments to the effect that "it doesnıt matter what you believe as long as youıre sincere". Anthony is a powerful reminder that such vacuous sentiments are not an option for the Christian. It does matter what we believe. Jesus came to reveal the truth about God, and also about mankind. He shows us what God is like, and what we are called to be. If we don't accept what he teaches then we begin to worship false gods, and we start to treat people as objects rather than Godıs beloved creation. By believing in Jesus and him alone we find ourselves properly orientated towards God and our fellow human beings. May St Anthony's prayers help us to persevere in the truth.

P.D.