Patron Saint of Lost Things

Category: Other

St. Anthony of Padua is universally recognized in Catholic tradition as the patron of lost things. The origin of this association lies in the medieval story of a novice who stole Anthony's psalter; when Anthony prayed, the novice was compelled to return it. The rhyme "Tony, Tony, look around / something's lost that must be found" reflects this popular devotion.

While the precise form of the devotion is popular tradition rather than formal declaration, Anthony's patronage of lost things is one of the most widely practiced in the Catholic world. His feast day is June 13.

Patron Saint of Lost Things

Formally proclaimed patronage — sourced from canonized saints in the Roman Calendar.

Primary Patron
Saint Anthony of Padua

Feast Day
June 13

Saint Anthony of Padua is invoked as patron of lost things. Saint Anthony of Padua was born Fernando Martins de Bulhoes in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1195, of a noble Portuguese family. About 1210 he entered the Augustinian Canons Regular, first at Lisbon and then at the great house of Santa Cruz in Coimbra, where he received his theological training and was ordained priest.In 1220, profoundly moved by the relics of the five Franciscan protomartyrs slain in Morocco that year, Fernando transferred to the Order of Friars Minor and took the religious name Anthony, after the desert father whose hermitage stood near his new friary. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/audiences/2010/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20100210.html.

Read full biography of Saint Anthony of Padua →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of lost things?

Saint Anthony of Padua is the primary patron saint of lost things. Their feast day is June 13.

What is a patron saint?

A patron saint is a holy man or woman canonized by the Church whose life and heavenly intercession are considered especially powerful for particular needs, groups, or situations. Catholics ask patron saints to intercede — to pray to God on their behalf — drawing on the doctrine of the Communion of Saints.

How do I ask for Anthony of Padua's intercession?

To ask for a patron saint's intercession, Catholics typically pray directly to the saint, saying something like: "Anthony of Padua, pray for us." You may also light a candle, attend Mass on their feast day, or make a novena — nine days of consecutive prayer — asking for their help before a particular need.