Novena to St. Anthony of Padua

lost things, the poor, miracles, travelers, pregnant women, and those seeking a spouse

Tradition: Franciscan. St. Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) is a Doctor of the Church and one of the most beloved saints in Catholic history. The novena draws on his reputation as a wonder-worker and intercessor, invoking the image of the Infant Jesus resting in his arms.

Associated feast: Feast of St. Anthony of Padua (June 13)

When to pray: Begin on June 4 to conclude on June 12, the eve of his feast day. It may also be prayed at any time of pressing need, as St. Anthony is traditionally invoked for urgent intentions.

About this devotion

St. Anthony of Padua was born Fernando Martins in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1195. He entered the Franciscan Order and became one of the most gifted preachers and theologians the Church has ever known. He died at only 35 years of age in 1231 and was canonized by Pope Gregory IX less than a year later. Pope Pius XII declared him a Doctor of the Church in 1946, honouring his extraordinary mastery of Sacred Scripture and his ability to make the faith accessible to the humble and the learned alike.

Anthony is perhaps best known to the faithful as the patron of lost things and the saint of miracles. A famous image in Catholic art depicts the Divine Child Jesus resting contentedly in his arms, a vision granted to Anthony in recognition of his exceptional holiness. This tender image forms the heart of the novena: the faithful ask Anthony to carry their petitions directly to the Infant Jesus, whose love for Anthony was so great.

This nine-day novena follows a structure long associated with the Franciscan devotional tradition and preserved by EWTN from historical Catholic sources. Each day brings a distinct invocation drawn from one of Anthony's virtues or titles, followed by a personal intention and the traditional closing prayers of an Our Father, a Hail Mary, and a Glory Be. It is customarily prayed in the nine days leading to his feast day on June 13, though it may be offered at any time of urgent need.

The Nine Days

1. Day 1: For faith and trust in God's miraculous power

   Scripture: Matthew 17:20

2. Day 2: For those who feel unheard or forgotten

   Scripture: Psalm 34:17

3. Day 3: For purity of heart and holy virtue

   Scripture: Matthew 5:8

4. Day 4: For help in a pressing or difficult need

   Scripture: Philippians 4:6

5. Day 5: For a spirit of charity and love for those in need

   Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:13

6. Day 6: For the gift of wisdom and understanding of the faith

   Scripture: James 1:5

7. Day 7: For the recovery of what has been lost, whether material or spiritual

   Scripture: Luke 15:8-9

8. Day 8: For the intercession of Our Lady alongside St. Anthony

   Scripture: John 2:3

9. Day 9: For the unity and renewal of the Church

   Scripture: John 17:21

Daily Novena Prayer

Closing Prayer

O God, may the votive commemoration of blessed Anthony, your confessor, be a source of joy to your Church, that she may always be fortified with spiritual assistance, and deserve to enjoy eternal rewards. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Saint Anthony, pray for us!

Frequently Asked Questions

Read about the life of St. Anthony of Padua →