A Novena to Saint Anthony for Any Need

Saint Anthony of Padua is also known as Saint Anthony the Wonder-Worker, and so it is no surprise that Catholics often turn to him with their requests—more often, perhaps, than to any other saint, with the exception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Best known as the patron saint of lost items, Saint Anthony is invoked for many other needs as well. In this novena or nine-day prayer, we not only ask for Saint Anthony’s intercession but promise to live more Christian lives.

Novena to Saint Anthony for Any Need

St. Anthony, you are glorious for your miracles and for the condescension of Jesus Who came as a little child to lie in your arms. Obtain for me from His bounty the grace which I ardently desire. You were so compassionate toward sinners, do not regard my unworthiness. Let the glory of God be magnified by you in connection with the particular request that I earnestly present to you.

[State your request here.]

As a pledge of my gratitude, I promise to live more faithfully in accordance with the teachings of the Church, and to be devoted to the service of the poor whom you loved and still love so greatly. Bless this resolution of mine that I may be faithful to it until death.

St. Anthony, consoler of all the afflicted, pray for me.

St. Anthony, helper of all who invoke you, pray for me.

St. Anthony, whom the Infant Jesus loved and honored so much, pray for me. Amen.

An Explanation of the Novena to Saint Anthony for Any Need

Saint Anthony received an apparition of the Christ Child, Who, lying in the saint's arms, kissed him and told Saint Anthony that He loved him for his preaching. (Saint Anthony was renowned for his zealous preaching of the True Faith against heretics.) In this prayer, we recognize that our greatest need is for grace—the life of God in our souls—which saves us from sin. Our particular need—our request to Saint Anthony—is secondary.

This prayer, however, does not shy away from asking Saint Anthony to intervene in a miraculous fashion to fulfill our particular need. In return for the good that we desire, we promise to live our lives as Saint Anthony did—conforming our actions to the truths taught to us by the Church, and serving the poor.