CATHOLIC ARROWS

A novena is usually prayed for 9 days leading up to the celebration of a feast day.

NOVENA PRAYER

FEAST DAY : 13th JUNE

(COMMENCES ON 4th JUNE)

Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of all good things, I come before You to honour You through St. Anthony abd to ask for his help in my many needs.

Lord Jesus you promised those who ask would receive, those who seek would find, those who knock would have doors opened to them.

Hear the prayers of Your Church offered in this novena, grant my requests and pardon my sins. Amen.

Dear Saint Anthony, generous and kind, so willing to follow God’s will, so zealous for those who are poor, I entrust myself to your care and place in your hands this request of mine ……….

(HERE ADD YOUR REQUEST)

Once your words stirred hearts, and gave others faith and hope; now through your prayers ask for faith and hope for me. Keep me close to the Child Jesus you once held in your arms; and assist me in my needs.

Let us pray:

Lord God we praise You in your saints. Saint Anthony, beloved of Jesus and Mary, no one has ever invoked your aid without obtaining some consolation. I, therefore, place in your hands my present petition, that you may present it to our Lord Jesus Christ who, through the love He bears for you, will grant my requests, be it His Will. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

A CATHOLIC TRADITION

Catholic tradition states that one day St. Anthony gave a prayer to a eoman who was seeking protection from diabolical attacks. This prayer was later carved into the base of the obelisk in St. Peter’s Square in Rome on the instructions of Pope Sixtus V, a Franciscan Pope. Below is the prayer:

Behold the Cross of the Lord!

Begone all evil powers!

The lion of the tribe of Juda, the shoot of David has conquered!

Amen!

BRIEF STORY OF ST. ANTHONY

St Anthony was born in Lisbon, Portugal in the year 1195 AD. When he was a young man, he saw the dead bodies of 5 martyred Franciscan friars being brought back from Morocco after being murdered for preaching the faith. He wished to go to North Africa to follow in their footsteps but God had other plans.

St. Anthony ended up going to Italy and became a treasured companion of St. Francis of Assisi. He became a great preacher in nothern Italy and parts of France and was devoted to helping and defending the poor. He attacked wrong-doing and helped stir the hearts of people to increase their love of God and the faith. He became a great defender of the Blessed Sacrament and promoter of Our Lady’s Assumption.

St. Anthony is the patron saint of the poor and the finder of lost articles